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Photos from Preston
WADDOCK'S POST-MATCH COMMENTS - QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Gary Waddock's Rangers were upset in more ways than one up at Preston after falling victim to a late equaliser.
Not only was the late Paul McKenna goal a blow to the emotions, but Rangers had found their shape upset early on after an injury to Martin Rowlands.
It was certainly a tough test up at Deepdale, but Gareth Ainsworth's early strike had given Rangers every chance of coming away from the North West with the three points.
But Preston didn't give up the chase and equalised late on through a Paul McKenna header to undo all of Rangers' hard graft.
Waddock said: "I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't hold out for the three points, we should have had the win.
"They had a lot of possession but they didn't break us down that often and we're building on getting those wins.
"To lose Martin Rowlands so early on in the game changed our game plan and it did upset the balance a little bit, but we had Steve Lomas available to come on and he is a complete professional.
"We'll have to assess Rowly's injury tomorrow, so we won't know any more until then.
"The players are disappointed in there, they were after the Burnley game and then today it shows you what can happen within a small period of time."
"People can keep tipping us for relegation but we've set our targets in house and the squad know what's expected of them
"We've had three good games now, so let's build on that and see where that takes us."
Former Preston man Ainsworth got on the scoresheet and Waddock had words of praise for his captain.
"Gareth always does well. He was captain today and he puts in a great performance week in week out.
"Nick Ward has also settled in really quickly but as a team I don't feel that we've completely gelled yet and there is still more to come."
And as for the opposition?
"David Nugent is a quality player but I felt our back four dealt with him really well. He didn't have many chances, one before half time and a header than Jonah saved, but Zesh and Damion did well with him."
QPR QPR OFFICIAL SITE
PRESTON MANAGER'S POST MATCH ASSESSEMENT
Frustrating
North End boss Paul Simpson endured a frustrating afternoon as he saw his side encounter their second consecutive home draw.
Paul Simpson
"We definitely deserved at least a point, we had a lot of possession, we had opportunities but the big thing that let us down today was the final ball into the box," Simpson said in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with QPR.
"It was frustrating at times, we were getting into good areas but too many times there were half-hearted balls going in where the goalkeeper was allowed to come in and take the cross, calm them down and set them on an attack."
It was Paul McKenna's 86th minute header which rescued a point for the Lilywhites after former PNE midfielder Gareth Ainsworth had given the London club a fifth minute lead.
"You can say saved in the nick of time, we have given a goal away sloppily in the first half and we didn't defend the long ball through and we should have cleared our lines earlier with that.
"We didn't do our jobs at the set-piece, it was a horrible goal to look at and concede and from there we are chasing the game.
"Fair play to QPR, they came and they got players supporting Blackstock and Jones quickly and they defended very strongly. If we had had better quality on the crosses we could have caused them more problems but I thought it was a well worked goal that we scored and a goal that we deserved to get."
North End endured more bad news on the injury front with Kelvin Wilson suffering medial ligament damage and he could be out for some time - Alan McCormack deputised very well once Wilson had departed.
Simpson said: "You have to say that we are going through a very unlucky period with Kelvin Wilson getting injured today, we think there is medial knee ligament damage so we don't know how long he is going to be out.
"Alan's not played many and I bet he's not made many as a right-back either, he did very well, I was delighted with Alan McCormack.
"I thought he came and gave us a bit of enthusiasm more than anything, unfortunately Alan was probably a bit guilty more than anybody of putting crosses into the goalkeeper's hands but I thought a lot of the stuff that he did was very good.
"He went in and won tackles and that is something that we have got to get right through the side, too many times I felt that we weren't strong enough going into challenges and when you get supporters turning up week in-week out you have to show them that you have got that real desire to go and win the ball and to win tackles and it something that we have definitely got to improve on."
Preston
BBC
Preston 1-1 QPR
Paul McKenna denied QPR their first away points of the season with a late equaliser for Preston.
Gareth Ainsworth gave Rangers the lead after just five minutes, volleying in Nick Ward's cross from six yards out.
But Preston found their feet in the second half, the lively Danny Pugh twice going close before missing an easy header.
But the hosts finally got their deserved equaliser moments later through McKenna's header.
#Preston boss Paul Simpson:
"It makes it important to get new people into the squad. I am still waiting for players to come back to me at the moment.
"I'll just have to keep being patient. The list is endless of first team players unavailable for selection.
"Today I had 14 outfield players for this game, plus one."
#
QPR boss Gary Waddock:
"Gareth Ainsworth leads by example. He has put in another good performance. He always does that, week-in week-out.
"He gives 100% whether on the training ground, or in a Championship game.
"He's a character in the dressing room, he gets everyone going. He wears his heart on his sleeve, he is a rock and roller and put in a captain's display."
Preston: Nash, Hill (Lewis Neal 73), St. Ledger, Chilvers, Wilson (McCormack 41), Sedgwick (Agyemang 80), McKenna, Jarrett, Pugh, Nugent, Whaley.
Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Stock.
Booked: McKenna.
Goals: McKenna 86.
QPR: Paul Jones, Rowlands (Lomas 12), Rose, Rehman, Milanese, Ainsworth (Baidoo 90), Stewart, Blackstock, Cook, Ray Jones (Gallen 82), Ward.
Subs Not Used: Cole, Kanyuka.
Goals: Ainsworth 5.
Att: 11,879
Ref: M Pike (Cumbria)
BBC
SPORTING LIFE
Paul McKenna denied QPR their first away win of the season as his late equaliser earned Preston a deserved 1-1 draw at Deepdale.
Gareth Ainsworth had given Rangers the lead after just five minutes of the first half and Gary Waddock's men showed steely resolve to hold onto their lead, only to have their hopes of a win dashed by McKenna's late header.
Early pressure from the visitors centred around midfielder Ainsworth, who pulled the strings as QPR won an early corner.
Nick Ward swung the corner dangerously into the centre of the Preston box and Ainsworth was on the end of it, poking the ball home on the volley from six yards out with his right foot, past the flailing arms of North End goalkeeper Carlo Nash.
The visitors continued to control possession of the ball as Preston struggled to get into the contest but Rangers suffered an early blow when Martin Rowlands limped off injured and was replaced by Steve Lomas.
The enforced substitution failed to swing the flow of the game in Preston's favour and some neat play from Rangers striker Dexter Blackstock presented a chance for Ward but the midfielder fired wide from the edge of the box.
Preston finally began to make inroads in attack as Danny Pugh's probing runs caused QPR a number of problems and Paul Simpson's side registered their first shot when David Nugent drove a right-footed effort towards goal from 30 yards, only to see it cleared by Zesh Rehman.
The afternoon saw its second early substitution when an injury to Preston midfielder Kelvin Wilson forced Simpson to replace him with Alan McCormack.
However, the half ended with North End in the ascendancy and a Nugent header forced Jones into an athletic, diving save before Pugh's cross teed the England Under-21s striker up again but he found Jones at full stretch and in fine form.
The second half picked up where the first left off, as Preston pushed forward and Simon Whalley crashed a right-footed shot towards goal from 25 yards, into the arms of Jones.
Pugh threatened to bring Preston an equaliser and he struck a pair of shots within a minute of each other, the first being saved by Jones and the second flying just wide from 20 yards.
Having survived a spell of pressure, QPR pushed forwards after the hour mark and it was Ainsworth again at the centre of their endeavours.
Lee Cook's inswinging corner found the goal-scorer in a similar position to that from which he netted earlier, but his left-footed shot flashed wide of the post.
As the game entered its closing quarter, Preston finally began to show the kind of form that saw them beat Wolves a week earlier and Lewis Neal's introduction as a replacement for Matthew Hill proved key to their recovery.
Pugh should have scored with a header after Neal sent over a superb cross but the miss was forgotten moments later as the scores were levelled.
Neal again looped the ball into the penalty area and this time he found McKenna, who nodded the ball downwards beyond Jones and into the net to clinch a point.
SPORTING LIFE
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/08/19/SOCCER_Preston.html
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Sunday, August 20, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
QPR Draw 1-1 at Preston - Reports & Comments
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QPR Official Site
Rangers were unable to hold on to a lead that practically lasted the entire game after Gareth Ainsworth had put Rangers ahead early on.
The former Preston man gave Rangers the lead in the fourth minute after the visitors had enjoyed the opening exchanges and were looking particularly lively.
His conversion of Lee Cook's corner was no more than Rangers deserved based on their early work rate.
But Preston began to take hold of the game and Paul McKenna's late header was a cruel blow to Rangers after having led for so long, but in truth, gave a more realistic scoreline to the proceedings.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side for the Championship fixture against Preston North End.
Rangers flew out of the traps, failing to hide their intentions that they were here for a win.
Gareth Ainsworth steamed down the right wing of his old stomping ground, robbed his man of the ball and whipped a telling ball into the box.
There was no one there to meet it on this occasion, so the winger took matters into his own hands moments later when he put Rangers in the lead.
With just four minutes on the clock, Ainsworth scurried into as much space as he could muster and jabbed home Lee Cook's corner.
But jubilation turned to despair minutes later when Martin Rowlands went to ground unchallenged and signalled to the bench immediately.
Steve Lomas replaced the midfielder and set to commanding his area straight away.
The balls were flying in to the Preston 18 yard box; this time Cook whipped it in and forced Carlo Nash to fly off his line and punch away.
And when Nick Ward let fly from outside the area, the Preston fans voiced their frustrations at their team. At the other end of the field however, "We are QPR" could be heard ringing around the ground.
Any previous fears of Ward being unable to adapt to the tough tackling Championship were proving to become more and more unfounded as the game progressed. In fact, the Australian seemed to be relishing the physical side of football.
Preston then enjoyed their spell in the sun, but squandered their best chance of the game when David Nugent blasted over the bar.
Mauro Milanese then had to be on his guard to head over a Simon Whaley cross as Preston continued to push Rangers at the back.
But when Ray Jones was pushed flat on his face 20 yards out, Rangers were able to regain their composure and enjoy a breather before Cook's free kick.
Although his effort beat the wall, the midfielder also cleared the cross bar.
Preston then suffered an injury worry of their own when Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off, forcing Alan McCormack to take his place.
That led to five minutes of injury time being played out at the end of the first half, which brought on a few jangling nerves as if it were the end of the full 90.
Rangers didn't rest on their lead though and Dexter Blackstock fired a 25 yard shot into the arms of Nash.
Play immediately swung to the other end and Preston had looked certain to equalise when David Nugent's header made its way towards goal, only to be tipped round the post by Paul Jones.
That man Nugent was again causing chaos at the back for Rangers when he ran on to a Matty Hill cross, and despite looking certain to score, he blazed his shot over the bar on the stroke of half time.
With the second half only a minute old, Whaley showed what Preston's intentions were when he sent a low drive straight at Jones.
But in keeping with the theme of this end to end game, it was then Rangers who were on the attack as Ward put his low effort wide of the post.
The second half certainly didn't have as much pace as the first, but considering the Preston pressure Rangers had recently been subjected to, the visitors looked glad of the respite.
Jones was again called into action when Danny Pugh shot from outside the box, but it was bread and butter for the Welsh international.
He was however tested further when Pugh again got his shot in after pushing his way through a crowded six yard box.
Luckily for Rangers, he was again without his shooting boots and the visitors were handed a let off.
The only Preston man who didn't seem to have any haste about him was Carlo Nash, who was only too happy to take his time over free kicks and goal kicks - much to the Rangers' delight.
Ainsworth then almost scored a copycat goal when once again he was on the end of a knock down from a Cook corner.
But a deflection saw his effort land on the roof of the net.
Jason Jarrett then stormed through the Rangers midfield, only to waste his possession by skying his effort into the stand.
With ten minutes left to go, Rangers upped the ante in a bid to secure the three points and exerted yet more pressure on the Preston goal.
And then the tide turned and it was Rangers who were under the kosh, fielding strike after strike from Preston before conceding a free kick which Pugh had deflected over the bar.
A knock to Ray Jones then saw Kevin Gallen replace the youngster as Rangers looked to fend off the late pressure from the home side.
Immediately he set to work on his task of making the ball stick at the 'correct' end of the field, firing a shot wide of the upright.
Patrick Agyemang then had Rangers fans catching their breath, only to slip in the box.
But there was no stopping Paul McKenna when he rose up in the box to head past Jones late, late on.
It was cruel for Rangers, but in truth, no more than Preston deserved.
Shabazz Baidoo then replaced the Rangers goalscorer, but even his super sub presence couldn't help find a way back for Rangers.
Preston: Nash, Pugh, Jarrett, Sedgwick (Agyemang 85), Nugent, St Ledger, Chilvers, Whaley, McKenna, Hill (Neal 78), Wilson (McCormack 40)
Subs: Lonergan, Stock
Scorers: McKenna 87
Bookings:
QPR: P Jones, Milanese, Stewart, Rehman, Rose, Ainsworth (Baidoo 90), Ward, Rowlands (Lomas 10), Cook, R Jones (Gallen 86), Blackstock
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Baidoo
Scorers: Ainsworth 4,
Bookings:
Att: 11,879
Ref: M Pike
QPR OFFICIAL
PRESTON OFFICIAL SITE
A Paul McKenna goal four minutes from time gave North End a well deserved point and they could so well have taken all three after having the better of the chances against Gary Waddock's QPR.
The goal cancelled out an early strike by former Preston man Gareth Ainsworth who opened the scoring after just five minutes but there was more injury drama as Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off in the first half
North End started brightly, with a new look pairing of Nugent and Whaley in attack, it wasn't new to the players though who started plenty of games together as they both came through the ranks at Bury.
With Danny Dichio ruled out through injury the goascoring mantle was on the shoulders of the two youngsters and Chris Sedgwick was handed his first start of the season on the right wing.
After the impressive 3-1 win at Wolves just over a week ago confidence was high in the squad but it was the visitors who were ahead after just five minutes, Gareth Ainsworth scoring against his former club.
The Rangers midfielder, who spent three separate spells at Deepdale was on the end of a flick on by Jones, from a left wing corner, to stab the ball past Nash. There was plenty of pushing and shoving in the area while everyone waited for the corner to come in and Ainsworth certainly looked to be holding off Hill as he netted the opener.
The visitors were forced into an early change when Martin Rowlands limped off after just 11 minutes, to be replaced by Steve Lomas.
It was the visitors who were asking all the questions early on and Nicky Ward went close with a shot that whistled just wide of the left hand post on 16 minutes.
Just seconds later North End won their first corner of the match, Nugent putting Rehman under pressure but they didn't make it count and the effort was cleared at the first attempt.
Jason Jarrett decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck on 27 minutes, after period of sustained possession by North End. The former Norwich man picked the ball up 30 yards from goals and went for it weaving his way into the area before his deflected cross was put behind for a corner.
North End were certainly beginning to dominate after settling down and playing the ball around on the floor but despite the possession Paul Jones, in the QPR goal, was a virtual spectator.
Paul McKenna was the first man in the book a minute later, booked for a late challenge on Blackstock, which left the former Southampton man in a heap on the floor.
Things went from bad to worse for Paul Simpson on 39 minutes when Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off, with his leg in a brace, and with no other defenders available Alan McCormack came on at right back.
Five minutes of injury time was played at the end of the first half and North End could have gone in at the break 2-1 up.
First of all McCormack, playing in an unfamiliar role at right back, linked up well with Sedgwick and whipped in an excellent ball for Nugent in the middle, he rose well to send a header towards the bottom eft hand corner but Jones made a superb save to tip the ball round the post.
With half time edging closer Nugent had another excellent chance, this time the ball coming in from the left, where Hill and Pugh were beginning to form a good partnership. It was Pugh who drilled the ball in and beat two men at the near post before Nugent blazed the ball over the bar.
A snap shot from Whaley, just 45 seconds after the restart, tested Paul Jones in the visitors net but the veteran keeper got down quickly to make the save.
A long range effort from Pugh on the hour mark, was the next action of any real note in a game where conditions of teaming rain did little to help the quality. The former Leeds winger hit a left footed shot from the edge of the area but Jones made the save with relative ease.
Pugh, almost got the home side back on level terms a minute later after some terriorlike play from Nugent, the North End front man was being marked by as many as five Rangers players at times but he did well to shake the majority of them off before laying the ball back for Pugh, he hit a first time effoty which finished just wide of the right hand post.
Lewis Neal replaced Matt Hill on 73 minutes and Agyemang replaced Sedgwick just minutes later as Preston tried in vain to get something out of this one.
North End were camped in the Rangers third as they desperately went in search of the equaliser, from a corner the left Sean St Ledger went close to netting his first for North End. The first ball in was half cleared but Paul McKenna played it back into the mix, it was missed by everyone in the area, including Paul Jones and St Ledger did well at the far post to keep the ball in but he couldn't make it count.
Paul McKenna got North End back on level terms in fine style on 86 minutes, with his first of the season.
Lewis Neal hit a superb first time cross with expert precision to pick out to inrushing Paul McKenna who powered a header beyond Jones into the bottom right hand corner.
In the end a hard fought point at Deepdale to keep the momentum going and now attentions turn to the League Cup and a trip to Port Vale on Wednesday.
PNE LINEUP: Nash, Wilson (McCormack 41), Hill (Neal 73) Chilvers, St Ledger, Sedgwick (Agyemang 80), Jarrett, McKenna, Pugh, Whaley, Nugent
Subs: Lonergan, Agyemang, Stock, McCormack, Neal
QPR LINEUP: Jones, Milanese, Rehman, Rose, Ward, Ainsworth (Shabazz Baidoo 89), Rowlands (Lomas 11), Cook, Stewart, Jones (Gallen 82), Blackstock
Subs: Cole, Gallen, Lomas, Baidoo, Kanyuka
Attendance:11,879
Preston
QPR Official Site
Rangers were unable to hold on to a lead that practically lasted the entire game after Gareth Ainsworth had put Rangers ahead early on.
The former Preston man gave Rangers the lead in the fourth minute after the visitors had enjoyed the opening exchanges and were looking particularly lively.
His conversion of Lee Cook's corner was no more than Rangers deserved based on their early work rate.
But Preston began to take hold of the game and Paul McKenna's late header was a cruel blow to Rangers after having led for so long, but in truth, gave a more realistic scoreline to the proceedings.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side for the Championship fixture against Preston North End.
Rangers flew out of the traps, failing to hide their intentions that they were here for a win.
Gareth Ainsworth steamed down the right wing of his old stomping ground, robbed his man of the ball and whipped a telling ball into the box.
There was no one there to meet it on this occasion, so the winger took matters into his own hands moments later when he put Rangers in the lead.
With just four minutes on the clock, Ainsworth scurried into as much space as he could muster and jabbed home Lee Cook's corner.
But jubilation turned to despair minutes later when Martin Rowlands went to ground unchallenged and signalled to the bench immediately.
Steve Lomas replaced the midfielder and set to commanding his area straight away.
The balls were flying in to the Preston 18 yard box; this time Cook whipped it in and forced Carlo Nash to fly off his line and punch away.
And when Nick Ward let fly from outside the area, the Preston fans voiced their frustrations at their team. At the other end of the field however, "We are QPR" could be heard ringing around the ground.
Any previous fears of Ward being unable to adapt to the tough tackling Championship were proving to become more and more unfounded as the game progressed. In fact, the Australian seemed to be relishing the physical side of football.
Preston then enjoyed their spell in the sun, but squandered their best chance of the game when David Nugent blasted over the bar.
Mauro Milanese then had to be on his guard to head over a Simon Whaley cross as Preston continued to push Rangers at the back.
But when Ray Jones was pushed flat on his face 20 yards out, Rangers were able to regain their composure and enjoy a breather before Cook's free kick.
Although his effort beat the wall, the midfielder also cleared the cross bar.
Preston then suffered an injury worry of their own when Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off, forcing Alan McCormack to take his place.
That led to five minutes of injury time being played out at the end of the first half, which brought on a few jangling nerves as if it were the end of the full 90.
Rangers didn't rest on their lead though and Dexter Blackstock fired a 25 yard shot into the arms of Nash.
Play immediately swung to the other end and Preston had looked certain to equalise when David Nugent's header made its way towards goal, only to be tipped round the post by Paul Jones.
That man Nugent was again causing chaos at the back for Rangers when he ran on to a Matty Hill cross, and despite looking certain to score, he blazed his shot over the bar on the stroke of half time.
With the second half only a minute old, Whaley showed what Preston's intentions were when he sent a low drive straight at Jones.
But in keeping with the theme of this end to end game, it was then Rangers who were on the attack as Ward put his low effort wide of the post.
The second half certainly didn't have as much pace as the first, but considering the Preston pressure Rangers had recently been subjected to, the visitors looked glad of the respite.
Jones was again called into action when Danny Pugh shot from outside the box, but it was bread and butter for the Welsh international.
He was however tested further when Pugh again got his shot in after pushing his way through a crowded six yard box.
Luckily for Rangers, he was again without his shooting boots and the visitors were handed a let off.
The only Preston man who didn't seem to have any haste about him was Carlo Nash, who was only too happy to take his time over free kicks and goal kicks - much to the Rangers' delight.
Ainsworth then almost scored a copycat goal when once again he was on the end of a knock down from a Cook corner.
But a deflection saw his effort land on the roof of the net.
Jason Jarrett then stormed through the Rangers midfield, only to waste his possession by skying his effort into the stand.
With ten minutes left to go, Rangers upped the ante in a bid to secure the three points and exerted yet more pressure on the Preston goal.
And then the tide turned and it was Rangers who were under the kosh, fielding strike after strike from Preston before conceding a free kick which Pugh had deflected over the bar.
A knock to Ray Jones then saw Kevin Gallen replace the youngster as Rangers looked to fend off the late pressure from the home side.
Immediately he set to work on his task of making the ball stick at the 'correct' end of the field, firing a shot wide of the upright.
Patrick Agyemang then had Rangers fans catching their breath, only to slip in the box.
But there was no stopping Paul McKenna when he rose up in the box to head past Jones late, late on.
It was cruel for Rangers, but in truth, no more than Preston deserved.
Shabazz Baidoo then replaced the Rangers goalscorer, but even his super sub presence couldn't help find a way back for Rangers.
Preston: Nash, Pugh, Jarrett, Sedgwick (Agyemang 85), Nugent, St Ledger, Chilvers, Whaley, McKenna, Hill (Neal 78), Wilson (McCormack 40)
Subs: Lonergan, Stock
Scorers: McKenna 87
Bookings:
QPR: P Jones, Milanese, Stewart, Rehman, Rose, Ainsworth (Baidoo 90), Ward, Rowlands (Lomas 10), Cook, R Jones (Gallen 86), Blackstock
Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Baidoo
Scorers: Ainsworth 4,
Bookings:
Att: 11,879
Ref: M Pike
QPR OFFICIAL
PRESTON OFFICIAL SITE
A Paul McKenna goal four minutes from time gave North End a well deserved point and they could so well have taken all three after having the better of the chances against Gary Waddock's QPR.
The goal cancelled out an early strike by former Preston man Gareth Ainsworth who opened the scoring after just five minutes but there was more injury drama as Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off in the first half
North End started brightly, with a new look pairing of Nugent and Whaley in attack, it wasn't new to the players though who started plenty of games together as they both came through the ranks at Bury.
With Danny Dichio ruled out through injury the goascoring mantle was on the shoulders of the two youngsters and Chris Sedgwick was handed his first start of the season on the right wing.
After the impressive 3-1 win at Wolves just over a week ago confidence was high in the squad but it was the visitors who were ahead after just five minutes, Gareth Ainsworth scoring against his former club.
The Rangers midfielder, who spent three separate spells at Deepdale was on the end of a flick on by Jones, from a left wing corner, to stab the ball past Nash. There was plenty of pushing and shoving in the area while everyone waited for the corner to come in and Ainsworth certainly looked to be holding off Hill as he netted the opener.
The visitors were forced into an early change when Martin Rowlands limped off after just 11 minutes, to be replaced by Steve Lomas.
It was the visitors who were asking all the questions early on and Nicky Ward went close with a shot that whistled just wide of the left hand post on 16 minutes.
Just seconds later North End won their first corner of the match, Nugent putting Rehman under pressure but they didn't make it count and the effort was cleared at the first attempt.
Jason Jarrett decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck on 27 minutes, after period of sustained possession by North End. The former Norwich man picked the ball up 30 yards from goals and went for it weaving his way into the area before his deflected cross was put behind for a corner.
North End were certainly beginning to dominate after settling down and playing the ball around on the floor but despite the possession Paul Jones, in the QPR goal, was a virtual spectator.
Paul McKenna was the first man in the book a minute later, booked for a late challenge on Blackstock, which left the former Southampton man in a heap on the floor.
Things went from bad to worse for Paul Simpson on 39 minutes when Kelvin Wilson was stretchered off, with his leg in a brace, and with no other defenders available Alan McCormack came on at right back.
Five minutes of injury time was played at the end of the first half and North End could have gone in at the break 2-1 up.
First of all McCormack, playing in an unfamiliar role at right back, linked up well with Sedgwick and whipped in an excellent ball for Nugent in the middle, he rose well to send a header towards the bottom eft hand corner but Jones made a superb save to tip the ball round the post.
With half time edging closer Nugent had another excellent chance, this time the ball coming in from the left, where Hill and Pugh were beginning to form a good partnership. It was Pugh who drilled the ball in and beat two men at the near post before Nugent blazed the ball over the bar.
A snap shot from Whaley, just 45 seconds after the restart, tested Paul Jones in the visitors net but the veteran keeper got down quickly to make the save.
A long range effort from Pugh on the hour mark, was the next action of any real note in a game where conditions of teaming rain did little to help the quality. The former Leeds winger hit a left footed shot from the edge of the area but Jones made the save with relative ease.
Pugh, almost got the home side back on level terms a minute later after some terriorlike play from Nugent, the North End front man was being marked by as many as five Rangers players at times but he did well to shake the majority of them off before laying the ball back for Pugh, he hit a first time effoty which finished just wide of the right hand post.
Lewis Neal replaced Matt Hill on 73 minutes and Agyemang replaced Sedgwick just minutes later as Preston tried in vain to get something out of this one.
North End were camped in the Rangers third as they desperately went in search of the equaliser, from a corner the left Sean St Ledger went close to netting his first for North End. The first ball in was half cleared but Paul McKenna played it back into the mix, it was missed by everyone in the area, including Paul Jones and St Ledger did well at the far post to keep the ball in but he couldn't make it count.
Paul McKenna got North End back on level terms in fine style on 86 minutes, with his first of the season.
Lewis Neal hit a superb first time cross with expert precision to pick out to inrushing Paul McKenna who powered a header beyond Jones into the bottom right hand corner.
In the end a hard fought point at Deepdale to keep the momentum going and now attentions turn to the League Cup and a trip to Port Vale on Wednesday.
PNE LINEUP: Nash, Wilson (McCormack 41), Hill (Neal 73) Chilvers, St Ledger, Sedgwick (Agyemang 80), Jarrett, McKenna, Pugh, Whaley, Nugent
Subs: Lonergan, Agyemang, Stock, McCormack, Neal
QPR LINEUP: Jones, Milanese, Rehman, Rose, Ward, Ainsworth (Shabazz Baidoo 89), Rowlands (Lomas 11), Cook, Stewart, Jones (Gallen 82), Blackstock
Subs: Cole, Gallen, Lomas, Baidoo, Kanyuka
Attendance:11,879
Preston
Friday, August 18, 2006
Preston Look at QPR....QPR Look at Preston
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PRESTON Vs QPR
PRESTON OFFICIAL SITE - PNE v QPR
After securing their first win of the season last weekend Paul Simpson's side are looking to continue where they left off at Molineux when QPR arrive at Deepdale on Saturday.
After being held to a disappointing goalless draw by Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day at Deepdale, the players will go into this one more confident of securing that first home win of the season.
It took until the middle of November for the elusive home win to come last season and everyone is looking to better that record this time around.
QPR also secured their first win of the new campaign, when goals from Rowland and Ward earned them a 2-0 home win against Southend, only Gary Waddock's third win since first taking the reigns back in February.
The former Rangers favourite, who came through ranks at Loftus Road took charge on a temporary basis, when Ian Holloway was placed on gardening leave and was handed the reigns permanently in the summer, making it a dream come true for the 44-year-old.
Waddock has been active in the transfer market this summer, with the latest arrivals Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock taking his number of new arrivals to six, while 12 players have left since the end of the season.
The biggest name to have left Loftus Road is Danny Shittu, who finally ended speculation on his future when he moved to Watford for a fee in excess of £1.5million.
The big defender was the subject of much speculation last season, with moves to Sheffield United and West Brom being touted, but instead Neil Warnock turned his attentions to Claude Davis and with Shittu looking to play in the Premier League there was only one option.
The last meeting between the two sides came back in November at Loftus Road when they met just four weeks after drawing 1-1 at Deepdale, Youl Mawene's last gasp equalise cancelling out Shittu's opener. Down in the capital David Nugent finally signalled his return after illness with his first goal since the 4-0 away win over Ipswich Town back in August, Callum Davidson was also on target to give North End a 2-0 win.
Team News
Preston North End
Paul Simpson is still hoping to add to his squad ahead of the weekend's visit of Rangers, after admitting he is still in the market for a number of additions.
It is well documented that a striker is currently top of that list but if he is unable to complete a transfer in time then the boss will have to pick from the same squad as last week.
Brian O'Neil, despite edging closer to a return, won't be available but he is in line to play for the reserves on Monday, while the players that featured for the second string on Wednesday did nothing to convince the boss that they deserve a starting place on Saturday.
Reserve Team boss Billy Barr 'called it how he saw it' after seeing his side, which included 8 professionals, go down 3-1 to Bury whose first team currently sit bottom of League Two.
Youl Mawene (knee), Callum Davidson (knee) Adam Nowland (broken leg), Brett Ormerod (broken leg) are all still long term absentees while Andy Smith has stepped up his training after tendonitis in his knees.
QPR
Team news to follow
Referee
Mike Pike - Cumbria
So far this season Pike has refereed two matches, one in League One and one in League Two, issuing just one yellow card in each match.
Ironically he took charge of the same fixture last season, when Gareth Ainsworth was the only player cautioned in the 1-1 draw. He was also in charge when North End won at Coventry in April when Simon Whaley scored the only goal of the game.
Betting
Preston North End 8/11, QPR 10/3, Draw 12/5
http://www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchPreview/0,,10362~883729,00.html
PRESTON OFFICIAL - Hill The Hoop?
Matt Hill could have been lining up for the opposition this Saturday as he was left with a straight choice between PNE and QPR - thankfully he chose the Lilywhites.
The North End left-back joined North End in January 2005 after seven years and more than 200 games for Bristol City, a career which had attracted plenty of interest from above and when Matt chose to make that step up he was left with a straight choice of Deepdale or Loftus Road.
Pne.com spoke to Hill about those decisive days in January.
Matt we play QPR this Saturday and if things had turned out differently you could have been playing for them.
It was a funny one, it seems a long time ago now. There's a different manager there now and a different team, it's a different club altogether really.
How close were you to joining QPR?
I was very close to joining them, I was speaking to Ian Holloway and I was going to go down the following day but Billy Davies phoned me up, he got there first and said that they had put in the money and that he wanted me up there the following day. I was very interested so I went up and as they say the rest is history.
QPR had quite a few links to Bristol at the time so it would have been easy to move to Loftus Road.
It would have been easy to join them, they were doing well at the time and knowing Ian Holloway and what he wants to achieve I could have quite easily got sucked into all that. But after meeting Billy Davies and seeing everything up here the decision was made easy for me and I don't regret it whatsoever.
Holloway's famous for his inspirational quotes, did he have any for you?
Not really, he was straight down, telling me why he wanted me there, giving me plenty of encouragement and telling me how he would improve my game and the signs were good. I knew that he was a character and that he was a funny bloke but you will see his serious side when the games are on, like any coach. It didn't work out though, he gave me his blessing and said carry on, he was quite understanding.
Is it correct that you chose North End because Billy Davies wanted to use you solely as a left-back?
There were many reasons and that was definitely one of them, Ian Holloway knew that I could play centre-half and left-back and that was what he wanted to use me for. But with me moving to the Championship I wanted to nail down one position and make myself better at that position, hopefully I can do that here.
In hindsight it looks like you made the correct decision.
It has been a fantastic run in my short time at Preston, QPR have had their ups and downs and Ian Holloway has gone after all that so I definitely made the right move.
I bet when you signed that you didn't think you'd be the senior defender of four, like you were at Wolves the other night?
No, not at all. It's unbelievable really but it's all credit to the lads at the back, they were fantastic. It's a difficult place to go and get a result but the lads stuck together and we managed to pull it off.
How's your partnership down the left with Danny Pugh going?
Danny's a good player; just like Callum he can defend and help you out. We are starting to form a good partnership, obviously we haven't done a lot down the left at the moment but hopefully in time we will do.
And what about the partnerships in the rest of the defence?
It is difficult in pre-season because there is a lot of chopping and changing and players are playing with different people and you don't get the chance to play together for consecutive games. We've started to do that now and I like to think that we are showing in games that we have formed a good partnership.
One noticable thing last week was the passion which was evident, particularly from the management staff on the bench.
The manager stated before the game that he wanted us to show a bit more passion; I don't think we showed it enough at Norwich and he did demand that we show a lot of fire and a lot of guts out there. I thought we did that and with the manager's reflection on the game beforehand the lads got that energy from him and we showed that on the pitch.
That 3-1 win at Wolves is a result that the lads can really kick-on from now isn't it?
It's important, it was pressure and no one can tell you otherwise. Not winning the first two games, I know it was only our third game in but there is always that pressure to win you first game and now we would like to consolidate with a home win. It's important now that we all stick together and that the fans are with us because obviously that helps.
Preston Preston Q&A with Matt Hill
QPR OFFICIAL
PRESTON
It's been all change at Deepdale this summer.
Off the pitch, former Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson replaced the out-going Billy Davies - while on it, it was a case of two in, two out.
Of those four deals, the most high-profile move saw Tyrone Mears join West Ham United in a £1 million transfer.
Whether Simpson gets to spend that cash though remains to be seen, but on the evidence so far, he might just have to wheel and deal his way around the market before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
The major talking point between now and August 31st is sure to revolve around the future of PNE hot-shot David Nugent.
Believed to be a target for an array of Premiership Clubs throughout the summer, Preston's entire season could ultimately depend on whether the 21 year-old striker commits his long term future to the Club.
Preston gaffer Paul Simpson
If he stays, Preston - who were many pundits' choice for a play-off place at the start of the campaign - could yet achieve that goal.
Unfortunately, four point from a possible nine is by no means 'play-off form.'
An opening day draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday wasn't exactly what the doctor ordered and a 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road - which also saw Graham Alexander see red - only served to compound their woes.
However, Simpson has been around the block too many times to be over-concerned and after a stunning 3-1 victory at Wolves last time out, he'll still be confident of guiding North End to the upper reaches of the Championship table come the business end of the campaign.....
Top scorer
David Nugent 2
Last league game
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Preston North End 3.
Football League Championship.
August 11th 2006.
PNE: Nash, Wilson, Hill, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Whaley, Jarrett, McKenna, Pugh, Nugent (Agyemang 88), Dichio (Sedgwick 73).
Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Stock, McCormack.
Simpson on Wolves: "It is a massive relief, we knew it would be a tough game and we had a patched-up side out, but we showed real character.
"We asked them to play with a bit of passion and to play with belief in themselves and each other.
"It has been a wonderful night for us and hopefully the first of many. We did not allow Wolves to settle and knocked the stuffing out of them."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds
Preston 8/11
QPR 10/3
draw 12/5
Cookie attempted his latest ball juggling act
at Deepdale last season
Key player: David NUGENT
David Nugent was born to score goals.
Arguably the best striker outside the top-flight, the 21 year-old is believed to be attracting the attentions of a host of Premiership clubs.
His performance for England Under-21s on Tuesday night probably added another pound note or two to his value, but Preston will be keen to ensure he's a North Ender this time next year.
Head to head
Preston wins: 8
Rangers wins: 5
Draws: 9
Last meeting
QPR 0, Preston North End 2 (Nugent, Davidson)
Football League Championship
November 22nd 2005.
Preston
Callum Davidson wheels away to celebrate Preston's
second goal at Loftus Road in November
Latest news on our opponents
Preston boss Paul Simpson is determined to keep hold of star striker David Nugent.
The 21-year-old has recently been linked with several Premiership clubs and scored two impressive goals in the 3-1 victory at Wolves.
Simpson said: "The chairman Derek Shaw definitely does not want to sell him.
"I think he realises that what we are trying to do here can be right for him. But there are other people trying to fill his head with other ideas."
(source: BBC Sport)
QPR
PRESTON Vs QPR
PRESTON OFFICIAL SITE - PNE v QPR
After securing their first win of the season last weekend Paul Simpson's side are looking to continue where they left off at Molineux when QPR arrive at Deepdale on Saturday.
After being held to a disappointing goalless draw by Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day at Deepdale, the players will go into this one more confident of securing that first home win of the season.
It took until the middle of November for the elusive home win to come last season and everyone is looking to better that record this time around.
QPR also secured their first win of the new campaign, when goals from Rowland and Ward earned them a 2-0 home win against Southend, only Gary Waddock's third win since first taking the reigns back in February.
The former Rangers favourite, who came through ranks at Loftus Road took charge on a temporary basis, when Ian Holloway was placed on gardening leave and was handed the reigns permanently in the summer, making it a dream come true for the 44-year-old.
Waddock has been active in the transfer market this summer, with the latest arrivals Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock taking his number of new arrivals to six, while 12 players have left since the end of the season.
The biggest name to have left Loftus Road is Danny Shittu, who finally ended speculation on his future when he moved to Watford for a fee in excess of £1.5million.
The big defender was the subject of much speculation last season, with moves to Sheffield United and West Brom being touted, but instead Neil Warnock turned his attentions to Claude Davis and with Shittu looking to play in the Premier League there was only one option.
The last meeting between the two sides came back in November at Loftus Road when they met just four weeks after drawing 1-1 at Deepdale, Youl Mawene's last gasp equalise cancelling out Shittu's opener. Down in the capital David Nugent finally signalled his return after illness with his first goal since the 4-0 away win over Ipswich Town back in August, Callum Davidson was also on target to give North End a 2-0 win.
Team News
Preston North End
Paul Simpson is still hoping to add to his squad ahead of the weekend's visit of Rangers, after admitting he is still in the market for a number of additions.
It is well documented that a striker is currently top of that list but if he is unable to complete a transfer in time then the boss will have to pick from the same squad as last week.
Brian O'Neil, despite edging closer to a return, won't be available but he is in line to play for the reserves on Monday, while the players that featured for the second string on Wednesday did nothing to convince the boss that they deserve a starting place on Saturday.
Reserve Team boss Billy Barr 'called it how he saw it' after seeing his side, which included 8 professionals, go down 3-1 to Bury whose first team currently sit bottom of League Two.
Youl Mawene (knee), Callum Davidson (knee) Adam Nowland (broken leg), Brett Ormerod (broken leg) are all still long term absentees while Andy Smith has stepped up his training after tendonitis in his knees.
QPR
Team news to follow
Referee
Mike Pike - Cumbria
So far this season Pike has refereed two matches, one in League One and one in League Two, issuing just one yellow card in each match.
Ironically he took charge of the same fixture last season, when Gareth Ainsworth was the only player cautioned in the 1-1 draw. He was also in charge when North End won at Coventry in April when Simon Whaley scored the only goal of the game.
Betting
Preston North End 8/11, QPR 10/3, Draw 12/5
http://www.pnefc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchPreview/0,,10362~883729,00.html
PRESTON OFFICIAL - Hill The Hoop?
Matt Hill could have been lining up for the opposition this Saturday as he was left with a straight choice between PNE and QPR - thankfully he chose the Lilywhites.
The North End left-back joined North End in January 2005 after seven years and more than 200 games for Bristol City, a career which had attracted plenty of interest from above and when Matt chose to make that step up he was left with a straight choice of Deepdale or Loftus Road.
Pne.com spoke to Hill about those decisive days in January.
Matt we play QPR this Saturday and if things had turned out differently you could have been playing for them.
It was a funny one, it seems a long time ago now. There's a different manager there now and a different team, it's a different club altogether really.
How close were you to joining QPR?
I was very close to joining them, I was speaking to Ian Holloway and I was going to go down the following day but Billy Davies phoned me up, he got there first and said that they had put in the money and that he wanted me up there the following day. I was very interested so I went up and as they say the rest is history.
QPR had quite a few links to Bristol at the time so it would have been easy to move to Loftus Road.
It would have been easy to join them, they were doing well at the time and knowing Ian Holloway and what he wants to achieve I could have quite easily got sucked into all that. But after meeting Billy Davies and seeing everything up here the decision was made easy for me and I don't regret it whatsoever.
Holloway's famous for his inspirational quotes, did he have any for you?
Not really, he was straight down, telling me why he wanted me there, giving me plenty of encouragement and telling me how he would improve my game and the signs were good. I knew that he was a character and that he was a funny bloke but you will see his serious side when the games are on, like any coach. It didn't work out though, he gave me his blessing and said carry on, he was quite understanding.
Is it correct that you chose North End because Billy Davies wanted to use you solely as a left-back?
There were many reasons and that was definitely one of them, Ian Holloway knew that I could play centre-half and left-back and that was what he wanted to use me for. But with me moving to the Championship I wanted to nail down one position and make myself better at that position, hopefully I can do that here.
In hindsight it looks like you made the correct decision.
It has been a fantastic run in my short time at Preston, QPR have had their ups and downs and Ian Holloway has gone after all that so I definitely made the right move.
I bet when you signed that you didn't think you'd be the senior defender of four, like you were at Wolves the other night?
No, not at all. It's unbelievable really but it's all credit to the lads at the back, they were fantastic. It's a difficult place to go and get a result but the lads stuck together and we managed to pull it off.
How's your partnership down the left with Danny Pugh going?
Danny's a good player; just like Callum he can defend and help you out. We are starting to form a good partnership, obviously we haven't done a lot down the left at the moment but hopefully in time we will do.
And what about the partnerships in the rest of the defence?
It is difficult in pre-season because there is a lot of chopping and changing and players are playing with different people and you don't get the chance to play together for consecutive games. We've started to do that now and I like to think that we are showing in games that we have formed a good partnership.
One noticable thing last week was the passion which was evident, particularly from the management staff on the bench.
The manager stated before the game that he wanted us to show a bit more passion; I don't think we showed it enough at Norwich and he did demand that we show a lot of fire and a lot of guts out there. I thought we did that and with the manager's reflection on the game beforehand the lads got that energy from him and we showed that on the pitch.
That 3-1 win at Wolves is a result that the lads can really kick-on from now isn't it?
It's important, it was pressure and no one can tell you otherwise. Not winning the first two games, I know it was only our third game in but there is always that pressure to win you first game and now we would like to consolidate with a home win. It's important now that we all stick together and that the fans are with us because obviously that helps.
Preston Preston Q&A with Matt Hill
QPR OFFICIAL
PRESTON
It's been all change at Deepdale this summer.
Off the pitch, former Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson replaced the out-going Billy Davies - while on it, it was a case of two in, two out.
Of those four deals, the most high-profile move saw Tyrone Mears join West Ham United in a £1 million transfer.
Whether Simpson gets to spend that cash though remains to be seen, but on the evidence so far, he might just have to wheel and deal his way around the market before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
The major talking point between now and August 31st is sure to revolve around the future of PNE hot-shot David Nugent.
Believed to be a target for an array of Premiership Clubs throughout the summer, Preston's entire season could ultimately depend on whether the 21 year-old striker commits his long term future to the Club.
Preston gaffer Paul Simpson
If he stays, Preston - who were many pundits' choice for a play-off place at the start of the campaign - could yet achieve that goal.
Unfortunately, four point from a possible nine is by no means 'play-off form.'
An opening day draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday wasn't exactly what the doctor ordered and a 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road - which also saw Graham Alexander see red - only served to compound their woes.
However, Simpson has been around the block too many times to be over-concerned and after a stunning 3-1 victory at Wolves last time out, he'll still be confident of guiding North End to the upper reaches of the Championship table come the business end of the campaign.....
Top scorer
David Nugent 2
Last league game
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Preston North End 3.
Football League Championship.
August 11th 2006.
PNE: Nash, Wilson, Hill, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Whaley, Jarrett, McKenna, Pugh, Nugent (Agyemang 88), Dichio (Sedgwick 73).
Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Stock, McCormack.
Simpson on Wolves: "It is a massive relief, we knew it would be a tough game and we had a patched-up side out, but we showed real character.
"We asked them to play with a bit of passion and to play with belief in themselves and each other.
"It has been a wonderful night for us and hopefully the first of many. We did not allow Wolves to settle and knocked the stuffing out of them."
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds
Preston 8/11
QPR 10/3
draw 12/5
Cookie attempted his latest ball juggling act
at Deepdale last season
Key player: David NUGENT
David Nugent was born to score goals.
Arguably the best striker outside the top-flight, the 21 year-old is believed to be attracting the attentions of a host of Premiership clubs.
His performance for England Under-21s on Tuesday night probably added another pound note or two to his value, but Preston will be keen to ensure he's a North Ender this time next year.
Head to head
Preston wins: 8
Rangers wins: 5
Draws: 9
Last meeting
QPR 0, Preston North End 2 (Nugent, Davidson)
Football League Championship
November 22nd 2005.
Preston
Callum Davidson wheels away to celebrate Preston's
second goal at Loftus Road in November
Latest news on our opponents
Preston boss Paul Simpson is determined to keep hold of star striker David Nugent.
The 21-year-old has recently been linked with several Premiership clubs and scored two impressive goals in the 3-1 victory at Wolves.
Simpson said: "The chairman Derek Shaw definitely does not want to sell him.
"I think he realises that what we are trying to do here can be right for him. But there are other people trying to fill his head with other ideas."
(source: BBC Sport)
QPR
Ex-QPR Winger Michael Meaker Turns 35
-
Ex-QPR winger, Michael Meaker Turns 35 Today - Born August 18, 1971
Meaker, for the most part a reserve while at QPR, played for QPR from 1989-1994 before being sold to Reading (valued at 250,000 pounds) as part of the deal that brought Simon Osborne to QPR (for a few months!)
Meaker http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=11409
Ex-QPR winger, Michael Meaker Turns 35 Today - Born August 18, 1971
Meaker, for the most part a reserve while at QPR, played for QPR from 1989-1994 before being sold to Reading (valued at 250,000 pounds) as part of the deal that brought Simon Osborne to QPR (for a few months!)
Meaker http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=11409
Thursday, August 17, 2006
On This Date
-
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, TODAY
Gerry Francis started his QPR managership with a 1-1 draw at Arsenal (Arsenal equalizing in the last minute.) Ian Holloway made his debut coming on for Ray Wilkins. Unfortunately after that great result, QPR went several games before their first victory at Luton, in September.
TEN YEARS AGO, TODAY....Newly-relegated QPR started their new season under the Chris Wright Chairmanship, with a 2-1 come-from behind victory at home to Oxford United...Gallen and Dichio (Substituting the booed Mark Hateley) scoring....Things looked pretty good for quick return to the Premiership!
Photo from that day
And one Year ago today: After "The Alleged Incident" the club was looking to its next match: The 'debut" game at Coventry's new Stadium. Meanwhile Holloway and a number of players had gone up to visit Paladini.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
TEAMTALK -Players concern for Paladini
Ian Holloway revealed his players were worried about QPR director Gianni Paladini after some of the playing squad visited the Italian at his home.Four men were charged with an alleged attack on Paladini shortly before Rangers' victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.Eight first-team players - along with boss Holloway and assistant manager Tim Breacker - travelled to see Paladini in the Midlands.Holloway said: "The lads were concerned about him, so I suggested going to see him. They play for him as well as me."We wanted to give the players a rest so we went up and had a meal. He was delighted to see us."My job is keep the players focused, and I felt that going to see Gianni would be the right thing to do." http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_635359,00.html
Team News On this Day, A Year Ago
August 17, 2005
August 17, 2005 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DOHERTY, ROWLANDS OUT
Both Martin Rowlands and Tommy Doherty will definitely miss Rangers' trip to Coventry this weekend.
But the prognosis on both is not as bad as first feared and it is hoped that they will be fit in time for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday the following Friday.
A scan has revealed that Rowlands has a 'grade one' tear to his medial knee ligament - as good an outcome as could have been hoped for.
Meanwhile Doherty has bruising within the knee joint.
He has also got a cyst on his knee that has become inflamed and although they are very difficult to predict, the Loftus Road medical team hope to have him back for the Owls game.
But thoughts now turn to Saturday and the game against the Sky Blues.
Thankfully, in Stefan Moore, Ian Holloway has a ready made replacement following an excellent display against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Moore will either take up a position on the right wing or partner Paul Furlong in attack with Kevin Gallen dropping back to partner Marc Bircham.
The second player to come in could well be Aaron Brown who may fill Rowlands' place on the left flank.
But Marcus Bean could also provide an alternative, steely option if Gallen remains up front.
Whatever happens, Ian Holloway can at least take some solace from possessing a squad that now looks better equipped to deal with such losses even though he is facing up to the prospect of being without three of his four first choice midfielders in only the fourth game of the season.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
On This Day,Four Years Ago
Football League Second Division
Saturday August 17, 2002 - Barnsley 1-0 QPR
Barnsley
Matthew Ghent, Andy Marriott, Chris Morgan, Dean Gorre, Dave Mulligan, Kevin Betsy, Mike Flynn, Paul Gibbs, Chris Lumsdon, Leo Bertos, Bruce Dyer, Isaiah Rankin, Mike Sheron
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Richard Langley, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Nicky Culkin, Fraser Digby, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Gino Padula, Daniel Shittu, Tom Williams, Karl Connolly
Guardian
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, TODAY
Gerry Francis started his QPR managership with a 1-1 draw at Arsenal (Arsenal equalizing in the last minute.) Ian Holloway made his debut coming on for Ray Wilkins. Unfortunately after that great result, QPR went several games before their first victory at Luton, in September.
TEN YEARS AGO, TODAY....Newly-relegated QPR started their new season under the Chris Wright Chairmanship, with a 2-1 come-from behind victory at home to Oxford United...Gallen and Dichio (Substituting the booed Mark Hateley) scoring....Things looked pretty good for quick return to the Premiership!
Photo from that day
And one Year ago today: After "The Alleged Incident" the club was looking to its next match: The 'debut" game at Coventry's new Stadium. Meanwhile Holloway and a number of players had gone up to visit Paladini.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
TEAMTALK -Players concern for Paladini
Ian Holloway revealed his players were worried about QPR director Gianni Paladini after some of the playing squad visited the Italian at his home.Four men were charged with an alleged attack on Paladini shortly before Rangers' victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.Eight first-team players - along with boss Holloway and assistant manager Tim Breacker - travelled to see Paladini in the Midlands.Holloway said: "The lads were concerned about him, so I suggested going to see him. They play for him as well as me."We wanted to give the players a rest so we went up and had a meal. He was delighted to see us."My job is keep the players focused, and I felt that going to see Gianni would be the right thing to do." http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_635359,00.html
Team News On this Day, A Year Ago
August 17, 2005
August 17, 2005 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DOHERTY, ROWLANDS OUT
Both Martin Rowlands and Tommy Doherty will definitely miss Rangers' trip to Coventry this weekend.
But the prognosis on both is not as bad as first feared and it is hoped that they will be fit in time for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday the following Friday.
A scan has revealed that Rowlands has a 'grade one' tear to his medial knee ligament - as good an outcome as could have been hoped for.
Meanwhile Doherty has bruising within the knee joint.
He has also got a cyst on his knee that has become inflamed and although they are very difficult to predict, the Loftus Road medical team hope to have him back for the Owls game.
But thoughts now turn to Saturday and the game against the Sky Blues.
Thankfully, in Stefan Moore, Ian Holloway has a ready made replacement following an excellent display against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Moore will either take up a position on the right wing or partner Paul Furlong in attack with Kevin Gallen dropping back to partner Marc Bircham.
The second player to come in could well be Aaron Brown who may fill Rowlands' place on the left flank.
But Marcus Bean could also provide an alternative, steely option if Gallen remains up front.
Whatever happens, Ian Holloway can at least take some solace from possessing a squad that now looks better equipped to deal with such losses even though he is facing up to the prospect of being without three of his four first choice midfielders in only the fourth game of the season.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
On This Day,Four Years Ago
Football League Second Division
Saturday August 17, 2002 - Barnsley 1-0 QPR
Barnsley
Matthew Ghent, Andy Marriott, Chris Morgan, Dean Gorre, Dave Mulligan, Kevin Betsy, Mike Flynn, Paul Gibbs, Chris Lumsdon, Leo Bertos, Bruce Dyer, Isaiah Rankin, Mike Sheron
QPR
Terrell Forbes, Matthew Rose, Doudou Ebeu Mbombo, Richard Langley, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Nicky Culkin, Fraser Digby, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Gino Padula, Daniel Shittu, Tom Williams, Karl Connolly
Guardian
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Mark Devlin's Recovery
-
This is Wiltshire "We're proud of our brave boy"
Recovering Swindon Town chief executive Mark Devlin is comforted by wife Jocie at hospital yesterday
SWINDON Town chief executive Mark Devlin and his wife could not be prouder of their son Stan, who is now playing a crucial role in the investigation into the plane crash, which almost claimed the lives of three club officials.
The 10-year-old is helping air accident investigators piece together the sequence of events that led to the smash.
He was sitting in the front of the plane with pilot Frank Kratky when the plane careered into woodland near a Buckinghamshire golf course on Saturday, August 5.
Mr Kratky is still unconscious so Stan is providing important information for the investigation.
continued...
Inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) believe the primary school pupil can offer a vital insight into what was going on in the plane moments before the crash.
Stan's mum Jocie Devlin said the investigators were finding his help invaluable.
"He has been helping them with their investigation, and telling them what he saw," she said.
"He was a key witness to it all and with lots of these crashes they never get a chance to confirm what they think happened.
"He's played quite a vital role and, with Stan's help, they may be able to conclude their investigation."
Mrs Devlin also praised the accident investigators for the way they have handled Stan.
She said: "They have been very good with him. He doesn't even feel like he's answering questions."
Mrs Devlin added that she could not give any specific details of Stan's help because the investigation is still ongoing.
A spokesman for the AAIB emphasised the importance of Stan's evidence.
He said: "Investigators would talk to anybody who saw the incident, and that's very, very valuable.
"We speak to anybody who was an eyewitness."
Stan was a popular figure on the club's pre-season tour to Ibiza, and the players clubbed together to buy him a Playstation to help him on the road to recovery.
Mr Devlin is due to go under the knife today at the Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, in order to fix a back problem. The Town boss fractured the second vertebra of his spine, and will have to wear a body brace for six weeks to protect the wound.
Stan has been moved to a wheelchair and is expected to be discharged from hospital by the end of the week.
Mr Kratky had surgery on his jaw yesterday. Surgeons had to give him a tracheotomy in order to keep him breathing throughout the five-hour operation.
Swindon Town investor Bill Power, who was one of the six people in the plane when it came down, was released from hospital earlier this week.
This is Wiltshire
Swindon Advertiser - It’s just what the doctor ordered
By Jon Ritson
MAXIMUM points from a marvellous start has brought a smile to Mark Devlin's face and he is urging Town to keep administering the winning tonic as he eyes the visit of MK Dons for his return to action'.
Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Rochdale leaves Dennis Wise's men as joint leaders of League Two with Walsall.
Devlin, facing another back operation following last week's plane crash, was given a full account of the game by assistant boss Gus Poyet in hospital yesterday.
He has a simple message to the players keep it coming lads'.
continued...
As Devlin and his colleagues wait to hear whether Paul Ince will commit to Town, progress without the Guvnor is being made.
It leaves Devlin delighted, but frustrated that he can't be part of it.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: "The results have been a great tonic so keep them coming.
"The place is obviously buzzing and I can't wait to get back there.
"We'll see how the next operation goes but I'd love to be be back for the MK Dons game (on September 12).
"My appetite for the season was whetted before all this happened, now it's just doubly whetted.
"Gus (Poyet) came to see me yesterday and the players have been fantastic towards my son Stan.
"Many of them don't really know him but they've bought him a portable games console and some games to go with it.
"But then we've all been inundated with hundreds of cards and messages. It's very humbling."
While Devlin was happy to hear of Saturday's victory, manager Wise detected a lack of satisfaction in the dressing room.
He said: "What I was so pleased about when I went into the dressing room is they were so disappointed.
"They knew they should have won three or four nil and they were so annoyed, which is pleasing. It's good they feel like that.
"At the moment we're flying high. I think it'll be a matter of time before we get a few more goals, before we win a game three or four nil hopefully.
"We'll have a bad spell at some stage and when it comes we have to dig in even deeper.
"It's what you do over 46 games that counts. But we've shown everyone that we're not afraid."
Swindon Advertiser
This is Wiltshire "We're proud of our brave boy"
Recovering Swindon Town chief executive Mark Devlin is comforted by wife Jocie at hospital yesterday
SWINDON Town chief executive Mark Devlin and his wife could not be prouder of their son Stan, who is now playing a crucial role in the investigation into the plane crash, which almost claimed the lives of three club officials.
The 10-year-old is helping air accident investigators piece together the sequence of events that led to the smash.
He was sitting in the front of the plane with pilot Frank Kratky when the plane careered into woodland near a Buckinghamshire golf course on Saturday, August 5.
Mr Kratky is still unconscious so Stan is providing important information for the investigation.
continued...
Inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) believe the primary school pupil can offer a vital insight into what was going on in the plane moments before the crash.
Stan's mum Jocie Devlin said the investigators were finding his help invaluable.
"He has been helping them with their investigation, and telling them what he saw," she said.
"He was a key witness to it all and with lots of these crashes they never get a chance to confirm what they think happened.
"He's played quite a vital role and, with Stan's help, they may be able to conclude their investigation."
Mrs Devlin also praised the accident investigators for the way they have handled Stan.
She said: "They have been very good with him. He doesn't even feel like he's answering questions."
Mrs Devlin added that she could not give any specific details of Stan's help because the investigation is still ongoing.
A spokesman for the AAIB emphasised the importance of Stan's evidence.
He said: "Investigators would talk to anybody who saw the incident, and that's very, very valuable.
"We speak to anybody who was an eyewitness."
Stan was a popular figure on the club's pre-season tour to Ibiza, and the players clubbed together to buy him a Playstation to help him on the road to recovery.
Mr Devlin is due to go under the knife today at the Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, in order to fix a back problem. The Town boss fractured the second vertebra of his spine, and will have to wear a body brace for six weeks to protect the wound.
Stan has been moved to a wheelchair and is expected to be discharged from hospital by the end of the week.
Mr Kratky had surgery on his jaw yesterday. Surgeons had to give him a tracheotomy in order to keep him breathing throughout the five-hour operation.
Swindon Town investor Bill Power, who was one of the six people in the plane when it came down, was released from hospital earlier this week.
This is Wiltshire
Swindon Advertiser - It’s just what the doctor ordered
By Jon Ritson
MAXIMUM points from a marvellous start has brought a smile to Mark Devlin's face and he is urging Town to keep administering the winning tonic as he eyes the visit of MK Dons for his return to action'.
Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Rochdale leaves Dennis Wise's men as joint leaders of League Two with Walsall.
Devlin, facing another back operation following last week's plane crash, was given a full account of the game by assistant boss Gus Poyet in hospital yesterday.
He has a simple message to the players keep it coming lads'.
continued...
As Devlin and his colleagues wait to hear whether Paul Ince will commit to Town, progress without the Guvnor is being made.
It leaves Devlin delighted, but frustrated that he can't be part of it.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: "The results have been a great tonic so keep them coming.
"The place is obviously buzzing and I can't wait to get back there.
"We'll see how the next operation goes but I'd love to be be back for the MK Dons game (on September 12).
"My appetite for the season was whetted before all this happened, now it's just doubly whetted.
"Gus (Poyet) came to see me yesterday and the players have been fantastic towards my son Stan.
"Many of them don't really know him but they've bought him a portable games console and some games to go with it.
"But then we've all been inundated with hundreds of cards and messages. It's very humbling."
While Devlin was happy to hear of Saturday's victory, manager Wise detected a lack of satisfaction in the dressing room.
He said: "What I was so pleased about when I went into the dressing room is they were so disappointed.
"They knew they should have won three or four nil and they were so annoyed, which is pleasing. It's good they feel like that.
"At the moment we're flying high. I think it'll be a matter of time before we get a few more goals, before we win a game three or four nil hopefully.
"We'll have a bad spell at some stage and when it comes we have to dig in even deeper.
"It's what you do over 46 games that counts. But we've shown everyone that we're not afraid."
Swindon Advertiser
QPR News Roundup
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QPR goalie Jones played for Wales in their 0-0 draw against Bulgaria.
<strong>News rumours about Italian and Premiership team following QPR's Australian (future International!) midfielder,Nick Ward.
QPR's released Defender, Georges Santos, who celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday is on trial with Brighton.
QPR Reserves lost 1-2 to Brighton.
OFFICIAL SITE - Rangers reserves lost their 1-0 lead against Brighton after a wonder minute from Joe Gatting......
QPR: Thomas, Yelland, Hislop (Goode 86), Tchakounte, Howell (booked), Kanyuka, Bailey, Bircham (Maguire 72), Baidoo, Gallen, Donnelly
Subs: Smart, Coyne, Watanabe, Goode
Brighton: Kuipers, Breach, Rents, Lowe, Elphick, Chamberlain, Cox, Fraser, Gatting, Loft, Frutos
Subs: Hinshelwood, Skinner, Cobbs, Gargan
QPR Official
QPR goalie Jones played for Wales in their 0-0 draw against Bulgaria.
<strong>News rumours about Italian and Premiership team following QPR's Australian (future International!) midfielder,Nick Ward.
QPR's released Defender, Georges Santos, who celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday is on trial with Brighton.
QPR Reserves lost 1-2 to Brighton.
OFFICIAL SITE - Rangers reserves lost their 1-0 lead against Brighton after a wonder minute from Joe Gatting......
QPR: Thomas, Yelland, Hislop (Goode 86), Tchakounte, Howell (booked), Kanyuka, Bailey, Bircham (Maguire 72), Baidoo, Gallen, Donnelly
Subs: Smart, Coyne, Watanabe, Goode
Brighton: Kuipers, Breach, Rents, Lowe, Elphick, Chamberlain, Cox, Fraser, Gatting, Loft, Frutos
Subs: Hinshelwood, Skinner, Cobbs, Gargan
QPR Official
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The Puzzling (and Disappearing) Trophy Photo From Italy!
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Last Month, QPR played two games in Italy. At their second game, QPR were awarded a trophy. Trying to make sense of this photo (and explanation welcomed at Qprreport@hotmail.com
Photo of Trophy Award
UPDATE: Emailed suggested explanation - "...Looks like you can just about make out Paladini's left arm behind his right arm. He must be gripping the trophy with his left hand around ... base which is itself hidden for the most part."
Report on the Italy Game and Award [The original QPR Official Site link appears for now at least, to have changed since the report was posted on the official site. But this is where the link now goes when click on 29.07.2006 Latest OUT WITH A BANG - Rangers signed off their pre-season tour with a 4-0 win over San Antonio Abate."]
[UPDATE: A Couple of hours after initially posting this, the link is now operating corectly and goes to that Italy match report and photo. Still interested in that photo. Should be in an optical illusions prize competition!)
ORIGINAl REPORT (WITH PHOTO)
QPR Defeat San Antonio Abate 4-0-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT - July 29, 2006
"Rangers signed off their pre-season tour with a 4-0 win over San Antonio Abate. A goal in the first half from Nick Ward was followed by second half strikes from Marc Nygaard, Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones to seal the win at the Angri FC stadium.....
San Antonio Abate: Spicuzza, Giorgio, Pisano, Rufini, Ruggiero, Del Sorbo, Bizzarri, Villa, Tortora, Capucceilli, Alfano
Rangers: Jones, Bignot, Milanese (Howell), Rose (Kanyuka), Fortune, Rowlands (Bailey), Ainsworth, Ward, Cook, Nygaard (R Jones), Czerkas (Baidoo)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Last Month, QPR played two games in Italy. At their second game, QPR were awarded a trophy. Trying to make sense of this photo (and explanation welcomed at Qprreport@hotmail.com
Photo of Trophy Award
UPDATE: Emailed suggested explanation - "...Looks like you can just about make out Paladini's left arm behind his right arm. He must be gripping the trophy with his left hand around ... base which is itself hidden for the most part."
Report on the Italy Game and Award [The original QPR Official Site link appears for now at least, to have changed since the report was posted on the official site. But this is where the link now goes when click on 29.07.2006 Latest OUT WITH A BANG - Rangers signed off their pre-season tour with a 4-0 win over San Antonio Abate."]
[UPDATE: A Couple of hours after initially posting this, the link is now operating corectly and goes to that Italy match report and photo. Still interested in that photo. Should be in an optical illusions prize competition!)
ORIGINAl REPORT (WITH PHOTO)
QPR Defeat San Antonio Abate 4-0-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT - July 29, 2006
"Rangers signed off their pre-season tour with a 4-0 win over San Antonio Abate. A goal in the first half from Nick Ward was followed by second half strikes from Marc Nygaard, Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones to seal the win at the Angri FC stadium.....
San Antonio Abate: Spicuzza, Giorgio, Pisano, Rufini, Ruggiero, Del Sorbo, Bizzarri, Villa, Tortora, Capucceilli, Alfano
Rangers: Jones, Bignot, Milanese (Howell), Rose (Kanyuka), Fortune, Rowlands (Bailey), Ainsworth, Ward, Cook, Nygaard (R Jones), Czerkas (Baidoo)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Three Years Ago Today: Langley Sold...Knight Pursued...and QPR's Lineup
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On this day three years Ago: QPR had just sold Richard Langley to Cardiff for 250,000 pounds and were trying to sign Leon Knight who was then on loan at Brighton. And QPR were set to play Brighton. (And this was the QPR lineup - Day, Forbes, Padula, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Bircham, Sabin, Rowlands, Furlong, Williams. Subs: Culkin, Bean, Oli, Walshe, McLeod.]
BBC -Bluebirds sign Langley
Cardiff have completed the signing of midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers.
The 23-year-old Jamaican international has moved to Ninian Park for an initial fee of £200,000 with significant further payments linked to appearances and Cardiff's survival in the First Division.
His departure will enable Rangers to sign at least two new players.
Langley's Loftus Road contract was due to expire at the end of the season and he has repeatedly refused to sign a new deal.
Langley has called time on his international career with Jamaica for the short term so that he can establish himself at Ninian Park.
His exit from QPR has been on the cards since the west London side were beaten in last season's Second Division play-off final, ironically, by Cardiff.
Rangers had hoped to quell disappointment among their fans at Langley's exit by announcing a double signing, but were unable to complete the deals in time.
Langley's sale will almost certainly mean that R's defender Clarke Carlisle, whose has also not signed a new deal, will not be sold despite interest from a number of clubs.
Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence is keen to strengthen his side for the forthcoming Division One campaign. ...
BBC
BBC -Brighton 2-1 QPR
On-loan striker Leon Knight scored twice as Brighton come from behind to beat 10-man QPR at the Withdean Stadium.
The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Gino Padula's free kick beat goalkeeper Ben Roberts at the far post.
But Brighton equalised just three minutes later when Knight headed home Gary Hart's cross at the near post.
QPR had defender Terrell Forbes sent off for head-butting Kerry Mayo on the hour mark - and Knight made them pay when he prodded home the winner eight minutes later.
The Chelsea youngster almost completed his hat-trick but was denied by a good block from Danny Shittu.
Brighton: Roberts, Mayo, Cullip, Hinshelwood, Jones, Rodger, Hart, Carpenter, Watson, Knight, Henderson. Subs: Kuipers, Pethick, Oatway, McPhee, Harding.
QPR: Day, Forbes, Padula, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Bircham, Sabin, Rowlands, Furlong, Williams. Subs: Culkin, Bean, Oli, Walshe, McLeod.
Referee: M Warren (W Midlands).
BBC
BBC
Brigton Argus - August 16,2003 "Coppell: This is real test"
http://archive.theargus.co.uk/2003/8/16/128686.html
On this day three years Ago: QPR had just sold Richard Langley to Cardiff for 250,000 pounds and were trying to sign Leon Knight who was then on loan at Brighton. And QPR were set to play Brighton. (And this was the QPR lineup - Day, Forbes, Padula, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Bircham, Sabin, Rowlands, Furlong, Williams. Subs: Culkin, Bean, Oli, Walshe, McLeod.]
BBC -Bluebirds sign Langley
Cardiff have completed the signing of midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers.
The 23-year-old Jamaican international has moved to Ninian Park for an initial fee of £200,000 with significant further payments linked to appearances and Cardiff's survival in the First Division.
His departure will enable Rangers to sign at least two new players.
Langley's Loftus Road contract was due to expire at the end of the season and he has repeatedly refused to sign a new deal.
Langley has called time on his international career with Jamaica for the short term so that he can establish himself at Ninian Park.
His exit from QPR has been on the cards since the west London side were beaten in last season's Second Division play-off final, ironically, by Cardiff.
Rangers had hoped to quell disappointment among their fans at Langley's exit by announcing a double signing, but were unable to complete the deals in time.
Langley's sale will almost certainly mean that R's defender Clarke Carlisle, whose has also not signed a new deal, will not be sold despite interest from a number of clubs.
Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence is keen to strengthen his side for the forthcoming Division One campaign. ...
BBC
BBC -Brighton 2-1 QPR
On-loan striker Leon Knight scored twice as Brighton come from behind to beat 10-man QPR at the Withdean Stadium.
The visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Gino Padula's free kick beat goalkeeper Ben Roberts at the far post.
But Brighton equalised just three minutes later when Knight headed home Gary Hart's cross at the near post.
QPR had defender Terrell Forbes sent off for head-butting Kerry Mayo on the hour mark - and Knight made them pay when he prodded home the winner eight minutes later.
The Chelsea youngster almost completed his hat-trick but was denied by a good block from Danny Shittu.
Brighton: Roberts, Mayo, Cullip, Hinshelwood, Jones, Rodger, Hart, Carpenter, Watson, Knight, Henderson. Subs: Kuipers, Pethick, Oatway, McPhee, Harding.
QPR: Day, Forbes, Padula, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Bircham, Sabin, Rowlands, Furlong, Williams. Subs: Culkin, Bean, Oli, Walshe, McLeod.
Referee: M Warren (W Midlands).
BBC
BBC
Brigton Argus - August 16,2003 "Coppell: This is real test"
http://archive.theargus.co.uk/2003/8/16/128686.html
George Santos Turns 36
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George Santos - Born August 15, 1970
With little money to spend to strengthen the team, Santos was signed by Holloway after our promotion "back" to the Championship. Playing in defense and midfield- even attack for two season before being released. Santos also played in England for Tranmere, WBA, Sheffield United, Grimsby and Ipswich. At the end of the 2005/06, Santos was released by QPR.
Santos Playing Career
George Santos - Born August 15, 1970
With little money to spend to strengthen the team, Santos was signed by Holloway after our promotion "back" to the Championship. Playing in defense and midfield- even attack for two season before being released. Santos also played in England for Tranmere, WBA, Sheffield United, Grimsby and Ipswich. At the end of the 2005/06, Santos was released by QPR.
Santos Playing Career
Monday, August 14, 2006
Ready Allen King - Ex-QPR Birthdays Today
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Sharing an August 14th Birthday...
Martin Allen, turns 41...Andy King turns 50...and Karl Ready turns 34.
Karl Ready - QPR's Welsh International Center Half made 200+ appearance for QPR over a decade, making his debutin 1992 before being released after QPR's relegation to the 2nd (read Third) Division in 2001.
Martin Allen, now manager of MK Dons and cousin of Clive Allen and Bradley Allen, made his debut as midfielder in 1985. Famously fell out with then manager, Trevor Francis, when he chose to be with his wife for the birth of his child over playing for QPR. Was sold to West Ham....
Andy King - Goalscoring midfielder, signed by Tommy Docherty in September 1980, with some of the Clive Allen/Paul Goddard money of a then-record 450,000 pounds...The following season, scored in the first three games before QPR's manager, Terry Venables, sold him in September 1981 for about the same fee to West Bromwich Albion (who QPR beat that season in the FA Cup Semi Final semi final)
Sharing an August 14th Birthday...
Martin Allen, turns 41...Andy King turns 50...and Karl Ready turns 34.
Karl Ready - QPR's Welsh International Center Half made 200+ appearance for QPR over a decade, making his debutin 1992 before being released after QPR's relegation to the 2nd (read Third) Division in 2001.
Martin Allen, now manager of MK Dons and cousin of Clive Allen and Bradley Allen, made his debut as midfielder in 1985. Famously fell out with then manager, Trevor Francis, when he chose to be with his wife for the birth of his child over playing for QPR. Was sold to West Ham....
Andy King - Goalscoring midfielder, signed by Tommy Docherty in September 1980, with some of the Clive Allen/Paul Goddard money of a then-record 450,000 pounds...The following season, scored in the first three games before QPR's manager, Terry Venables, sold him in September 1981 for about the same fee to West Bromwich Albion (who QPR beat that season in the FA Cup Semi Final semi final)
QPR's Win Against Southend - Monday Reports
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The Times
August 14, 2006
Blackstock emerges from shadow of Walcott
By Ron Lewis
Queens Park Rangers 2 Southend United 0
WHEN DEXTER BLACKSTOCK LAST played at Loftus Road, he was one talented teenager in a Southampton side that also featured Theo Walcott. That was Walcott’s last club match before he was signed by Arsenal and taken to the World Cup finals by England. The past seven months for Blackstock, however, have been somewhat less memorable. He found himself out of favour at Southampton and signed for Queens Park Rangers last week. At least he got to play when he moved to London.
Blackstock, 20, was a key member of a QPR side that produced a brilliant first-half display. He is part of an injection of youth that has been made by Gary Waddock, the manager, to a creaking QPR squad. Particularly impressive was Ray Jones, a 17-year-old beanpole of a striker who was brought to the club a year ago having slipped past the scouts for London’s more fashionable outfits. Jones and Blackstock looked a dangerous partnership.
“When you are that age there is no fear, you have nothing to lose, it’s like it was with Theo,” Blackstock said. “I think there has been way too much hype [around Walcott], a ridiculous amount of expectation for a 16, 17-year-old.”
QPR had carved Southend open several times by the time Martin Rowlands gave them the lead on 31 minutes with a thunderbolt of a free kick from 25 yards. Ten minutes later, after Blackstock’s cross from the right, Jones beat Darryl Flahavan, the Southend United goalkeeper, to the high ball and Nick Ward, a 21-year-old Australian, tapped in the loose ball.
This was QPR’s first win at Loftus Road since Waddock’s first match as caretaker manager against Millwall more than six months ago. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” Waddock said. “I want to achieve things here.”
Times
TELEGRAPH - Blackstock has winning start
By Matthew Leach -14/08/2006
Queens Park Rangers (2) 2 Southend United (0) 0
Queens Park Rangers claimed their first win of the season thanks in no small part to the performances of debutant Dexter Blackstock and his tall strike-partner Ray Jones, just 17.
Blackstock, 20, who signed from Southampton on Wed-nesday and trained with the squad for the first time on Friday, even had time to give support to another 17-year-old, Theo Walcott, of Arsenal, his former Saints team-mate.
"Theo's got a big year ahead of him, like myself. There was way too much pressure and hype around him [over his England selection]. Let him play in the Under 21s and I'm sure he'll be back in the senior squad. He's going to be a great star."
A thunderous 25-yard free kick from Martin Rowlands in the 31st minute, after Lee Cook's touch back, gave Southend's keeper Darryl Flahavan no chance and helped Rangers to relax. Ten minutes later Nick Ward had an easy tap-in after good work by Blackstock and Jones.
Gary Waddock, the QPR manager and former youth team coach, celebrated his first home win in six months by emphasising that his young players will get their chance. "They can see Ray Jones and Shabazz [Baidoo] pushing through. They know if they're good enough, I'll put them in." After a bright start to the season for Steve Tilson's promoted Southend, two successive losses have highlighted the harsh reality of Championship football.
Despite clever probings by Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the efforts of strikers Freddy Eastwood and Lee Bradbury, there was no way past goal-keeper Paul Jones.
However, Tilson remains upbeat. "The second half has shown we can compete in this league."
Telegraph
Compilation of Match Reports on the Official Site
Simon Skinner, QPR Net Match Report
QPR Rivals/Mark Jamieson Match Report "New Signings and Youngsters jump-start Rangers"
The Times
August 14, 2006
Blackstock emerges from shadow of Walcott
By Ron Lewis
Queens Park Rangers 2 Southend United 0
WHEN DEXTER BLACKSTOCK LAST played at Loftus Road, he was one talented teenager in a Southampton side that also featured Theo Walcott. That was Walcott’s last club match before he was signed by Arsenal and taken to the World Cup finals by England. The past seven months for Blackstock, however, have been somewhat less memorable. He found himself out of favour at Southampton and signed for Queens Park Rangers last week. At least he got to play when he moved to London.
Blackstock, 20, was a key member of a QPR side that produced a brilliant first-half display. He is part of an injection of youth that has been made by Gary Waddock, the manager, to a creaking QPR squad. Particularly impressive was Ray Jones, a 17-year-old beanpole of a striker who was brought to the club a year ago having slipped past the scouts for London’s more fashionable outfits. Jones and Blackstock looked a dangerous partnership.
“When you are that age there is no fear, you have nothing to lose, it’s like it was with Theo,” Blackstock said. “I think there has been way too much hype [around Walcott], a ridiculous amount of expectation for a 16, 17-year-old.”
QPR had carved Southend open several times by the time Martin Rowlands gave them the lead on 31 minutes with a thunderbolt of a free kick from 25 yards. Ten minutes later, after Blackstock’s cross from the right, Jones beat Darryl Flahavan, the Southend United goalkeeper, to the high ball and Nick Ward, a 21-year-old Australian, tapped in the loose ball.
This was QPR’s first win at Loftus Road since Waddock’s first match as caretaker manager against Millwall more than six months ago. “It’s a fantastic feeling,” Waddock said. “I want to achieve things here.”
Times
TELEGRAPH - Blackstock has winning start
By Matthew Leach -14/08/2006
Queens Park Rangers (2) 2 Southend United (0) 0
Queens Park Rangers claimed their first win of the season thanks in no small part to the performances of debutant Dexter Blackstock and his tall strike-partner Ray Jones, just 17.
Blackstock, 20, who signed from Southampton on Wed-nesday and trained with the squad for the first time on Friday, even had time to give support to another 17-year-old, Theo Walcott, of Arsenal, his former Saints team-mate.
"Theo's got a big year ahead of him, like myself. There was way too much pressure and hype around him [over his England selection]. Let him play in the Under 21s and I'm sure he'll be back in the senior squad. He's going to be a great star."
A thunderous 25-yard free kick from Martin Rowlands in the 31st minute, after Lee Cook's touch back, gave Southend's keeper Darryl Flahavan no chance and helped Rangers to relax. Ten minutes later Nick Ward had an easy tap-in after good work by Blackstock and Jones.
Gary Waddock, the QPR manager and former youth team coach, celebrated his first home win in six months by emphasising that his young players will get their chance. "They can see Ray Jones and Shabazz [Baidoo] pushing through. They know if they're good enough, I'll put them in." After a bright start to the season for Steve Tilson's promoted Southend, two successive losses have highlighted the harsh reality of Championship football.
Despite clever probings by Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the efforts of strikers Freddy Eastwood and Lee Bradbury, there was no way past goal-keeper Paul Jones.
However, Tilson remains upbeat. "The second half has shown we can compete in this league."
Telegraph
Compilation of Match Reports on the Official Site
Simon Skinner, QPR Net Match Report
QPR Rivals/Mark Jamieson Match Report "New Signings and Youngsters jump-start Rangers"
Sunday, August 13, 2006
How Ex-QPR's Did Yesterday
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On the managerial front, obviously Ian Holloway's Plymouth victory at Sunderland (taking Plymouth to second in the table) was the preeminent story for ex-QPRs.
Ex-QPR Assistant Manager, Kenny Jackett's Swansea lost 1-0 at Oldham.
And ex-QPR player, Leroy Rosenoir's Brentford drew 2-2 at Brighton with a last minute equalizer.
Martin Allen's MK Don's Defeated Macclesfield 2-1
Bill Power's/Mark Devlin's Swindon defeated Rochdale 1-0
And in the non-League, John Hollin's Crawley defeated Rushden 1-0
On the Playing side:
Ian Evatt (technically not ex-QPR) came on as a 81st minute sub for Blackpool. Blackpool's other ex-QPR player, Marcus Bean was not playing.
Jamie Cureton's Colchester lost 1-2 at home to Barnsley. Cureton didn't score and was substituted after 69 minutes. (Cureton has yet to score)
Chris Day was on the bench and did not play as Millwall lost 5-1 at Chesterfield
And reportedly Nottingham Forest want to sign Bristol Rover's (an ex-QPR trialist) Junior Agogo
On the managerial front, obviously Ian Holloway's Plymouth victory at Sunderland (taking Plymouth to second in the table) was the preeminent story for ex-QPRs.
Ex-QPR Assistant Manager, Kenny Jackett's Swansea lost 1-0 at Oldham.
And ex-QPR player, Leroy Rosenoir's Brentford drew 2-2 at Brighton with a last minute equalizer.
Martin Allen's MK Don's Defeated Macclesfield 2-1
Bill Power's/Mark Devlin's Swindon defeated Rochdale 1-0
And in the non-League, John Hollin's Crawley defeated Rushden 1-0
On the Playing side:
Ian Evatt (technically not ex-QPR) came on as a 81st minute sub for Blackpool. Blackpool's other ex-QPR player, Marcus Bean was not playing.
Jamie Cureton's Colchester lost 1-2 at home to Barnsley. Cureton didn't score and was substituted after 69 minutes. (Cureton has yet to score)
Chris Day was on the bench and did not play as Millwall lost 5-1 at Chesterfield
And reportedly Nottingham Forest want to sign Bristol Rover's (an ex-QPR trialist) Junior Agogo
One Year Ago: QPR's Heroes were Santos & Moore; Bircham & Docherty...Off the Field: "the Alleged Incident"
-
A year ago...On the field, QPR's heroes in their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, were Santos and Moore; Bircham and Docherty; Bignot and Shittu; Royce and Brown; Bean and Furlong and Royce. A year later, in the QPR team playing against Southend United, only 4 of the 14 stars of a year ago, were playing.
Also present at that game a year ago but not at the Southend: Bill Power and Kevin McGrath and Mark Devlin; Ian Holloway and Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker...
Off the Field that day: "The alleged events" at Loftus Road, that led to arrests, a trial and the acquittal of the seven accused. In the days following the Sheffied United game came the QPR Board meeting which saw then-QPR Director, Carlos Dunga, fly in and cast the deciding vote which led to the departure of Devlin and Power and McGrath. And how the media reported on that day.
[For the most complete compilation, thus far, of the trial proceedings
see Tracy Stent's QPR 1st series of court updates
QPR1st>]
How some of the papers reported on that day:
The Sunday Times August 14, 2005
QPR 2 Sheffield United 1: Bircham passion revives Rangers
Barry Flatman at Loftus Road
POLICE were called after armed men threatened the life of Queens Park Rangers’ club director Gianni Paladin yesterday, but after arrests were made, and with the crowd, players and officials unaware of what had just occurred, we were treated to a lively encounter with a committed fan at its core.
Marc Bircham is one of those fortunate individuals who plays for the club he has supported with a lifelong passion. He wasn’t born when the likes of Rodney Marsh won QPR the League Cup as Third Division giantkillers almost 40 years ago and while the 1967 vintage were taking a bow at half-time, Bircham was locked in the dressing room being berated by manager Ian Holloway for being too anxious throughout a forgettable first half.
However, Bircham is well versed with the exploits of his elders and was clearly aware of their presence. Within 11 minutes of the restart the midfielder, who has been known to parade his devotion by dying his hair blue and white, was celebrating a goal that any QPR veterans would have been proud to score.
Then, with the match eventually won, Bircham went on to show the confrontational side to his character by reacting so angrily to a verbal barb from Sheffield United’s Chris Morgan that the visitors’ captain, seeking further retribution, had to be manhandled off the pitch by his manager, Neil Warnock.
The fact that QPR had not only taken the points but leapfrogged Sheffield United in the Championship table after the Yorkshire team started the day in top position, clearly fuelled Morgan’s temper.
Warnock maintained the entire contest was a disappointment, but his bitterness is understandable because his team did not possess the guile to exploit the opposition’s errors. QPR in contrast possess that quality as scorers Bircham and substitute Stefan Moore displayed.
Moore, a summer free transfer from Aston Villa, was introduced as a 36th minute replacement for fellow new arrival Tom Doherty who limped off with an injured knee. Moore’s pace and attack was a constant threat to United and he was integral to the opening goal. Initially Martin Rowlands raided down the left, Moore tried his luck in a more central position and when Phil Jagielka could only half clear the ball, Bircham steadied himself to drive a shot past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny from 20 yards.
Michael Tonge was badly missed in the Sheffield midfield and Frenchman Lilian Nalis had the sort of afternoon he could have categorised as tres terrible, but it was another summer signing, Paul Ifill, who suffered the brunt of Warnock’s displeasure. The former Millwall man appeared to lose his footing as he shaped to shoot early in the second half and sliced a goalscoring opportunity wide. But when he slipped and allowed Moore a free run at goal, Warnock decided an investigation was necessary.
“I was convinced he was wearing rubber studs, which is ridiculous given pitches in this day and age, but I was right,” revealed Warnock. “He won’t be wearing them again.”
Moore’s footwear was suitably stable for him to cross to Matthew Rose, who returned the ball for Moore to shoot home his first goal for his new club. Substitute Steve Kabba got one goal back for United from close range late in added time.
STAR MAN: Georges Santos (QPR)
Player ratings. QPR: Royce 6, Bignot 6, Shittu 8, Santos 9, Rose 7, Ainsworth 6 (Brown 69min 6), Bircham 7, Doherty 5 (Moore 86min, 5, Rowlands 7 (Bean 86min, 5), Gallen 7, Furlong 6
Sheffield United: Kenny 6, Bromby 5, Morgan 6, Jagielka 6, Kozluk 5, Ifill 6, Montgomery 5, Nalis 4 (Short 73min, 5), Harley 5 (Gillespie 73min, 5), Webber 7, Shipperley 5 (Kabba 77min, 7)
Scorers: QPR: Bircham 56, Moore 90
Sheffield United: Kabba 90
Referee: S Tanner
Attendance: 13,497
Sunday Times
QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT
INCIDENT AT LOFTUS ROAD
Queens Park Rangers Football Club confirms that the Metropolitan Police are investigating an incident at Loftus Road.
A number of arrests were made on Saturday afternoon and the police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
QPR are co-operating fully with the police in the course of their enquiries but while the investigation is ongoing the Club is unable to comment further on the nature of the alleged incident.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Independent
Men held after QPR boss is threatened with gun at game during game
By Matthew Beard
Published: 15 August 2005
Police are questioning 11 men after a director of Queen's Park Rangers football club in west London was ambushed at gunpoint outside the boardroom.
Gianni Paladini, 58, an Italian recently installed on the club's board, was attacked minutes before kick-off by a gang of five men as he walked towards his office in the Loftus Road stadium with a fellow director.
His assailants burst through double security doors, kicking him, beating him and demanding he resign his position as they held a gun to his head.
Fearing for his life, Mr Paladini signed his own 'resignation letter' and broke free from the gang to the nearby boardroom from where he alerted police at about 3pm as his side's home game against Sheffield United was getting underway.
Armed police rushed to the ground where they made some arrests as well as in the nearby Uxbridge and South Africa roads. Mr Paladini was visibly distressed as he watched the second half of the club's 2- 1 win and wept as he was escorted into the players' tunnel by two police officers after the game.
As Mr Paladini was recovering from his ordeal, in which he suffered suspected broken ribs, Scotland Yard detectives began to investigate the club's turbulent off- the-field recent history " which has seen an unseemly struggle for control of the once- fashionable west London club " for a possible motive for the attack.
From the heights of the 1970s, when their outstanding side boasted such stars as Gerry Francis and Stan Bowles, QPR sunk three divisions. After financial collapse under former owner Chris Wright, the club staved off closure with a pounds 10m loan accruing pounds 1m in interest per year.
Yesterday supporters were struggling to explain the attack, although some thought it may have been in connection with Mr Paladini's criticism of the club's finances.
The Italian, a former players' agent, bought a reported 22.1 per cent share in QPR for pounds 600,000 in May last year. He openly questioned the pounds 10m loan taken out by the club when it was on the point of folding in 2002. He told a recent fans' forum it was 'absolutely imperative' to renegotiate the loan. The money was lent by ABC Corporation, registered in Panama, which has also lent pounds 15m to Derby County.
agent, Antonio Caliendo, organised a pounds 1.7m investment into the club from two Monaco-based consortiums. The main shareholding in the club, thought to be 46 per cent, is held by his wife Olga.
Mr Paladini described the 'petrifying' attack in an interview with the News of the World, saying he feared for the safety of his family. 'I was petrified. One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun. They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board. Of course I signed it " but I have no intention of leaving the club.
'They tried to push me out of the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help. It was terrifying, I think they've broken one of my ribs. They were pushing me violently. I won't let them bully me out of the club. But they've taken my phone. I'm really, really frightened now for my family and friends but I won't let these cowards get away with this. This has brought shame to the club.'
The audacious attack has astonished many long-standing fans. 'I was at the game but I didn't realise what had happened until I got home,' said Paul Finney from the QPR Loyal Supporters Association. 'The fans are shocked because we really can't think that Gianni would have made enemies like that. It's also bizarre that a gang would want to do that sort of thing considering there must have been around 200 police at the ground.'
Police are questioning the 11 men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit blackmail. A Met spokeswoman said: 'Inquiries are continuing.'
Indepdendent
The Guardian
11 held after gun attack on QPR boss
Robert Booth
Monday August 15, 2005
The Guardian
Eleven men were being held in police custody last night as detectives investigated an armed attack on a football club director moments before kick-off on Saturday.
Queen's Park Rangers' majority shareholder, Gianni Paladini, 58, was walking towards his office in the club's west London ground with fellow director David Morris just before a Championship fixture with Sheffield United when he was allegedly ambushed by a gang of armed men who burst from behind double doors.
They are understood to have threatened to kill him and demanded he sign a paper agreeing to resign from the board. The former Italian football agent, who is considered by many supporters a stabilising force at the club after years of financial turmoil, says he was kicked and beaten.
"A bunch of big, heavy black men come out, rush towards me and start kicking and beating me up," he told the News of the World.
"I was petrified. One of them held my wrists and another pointed a gun. They tried to push me to the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
Mr Paladini signed the paper, but later insisted he has no intention of resigning.
As the game kicked off on schedule at 3pm, police were called and armed officers were deployed inside the ground.
Arrests were made immediately outside the stadium and in nearby Uxbridge Road. After further arrests at 4.10pm, a total of 11 men were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit blackmail.
QPR's players knew nothing of the drama as they continued their strong start to the Championship season with a 2-1 win.
The club's manager, Ian Holloway, said yesterday he was "shocked and horrified" by the alleged attack.
The club declined to comment on how armed men might have gained access to the ground.
The Guardian
Telegraph
Gun gang tell QPR director to resign
By Douglas Roberts
(Filed: 15/08/2005)
A gang put a gun to the head of a football club director and forced him to sign a note of resignation only minutes before a match on Saturday.
Gianni Paladini, 58, a director at Queen's Park Rangers, was allegedly kicked and beaten before being told to resign by a group of men who had burst into the hospitality area of the club's ground.
Eleven men were arrested in and around the ground by armed police soon after, on suspicion of committing blackmail and making threats to kill, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesman.
Mr Paladini was attacked just before the 3pm kick-off against Sheffield United.
After the incident he attempted to watch the second half before being escorted out of the directors' box looking distressed.
He told the News of the World that he had been kicked and beaten on a flight of stairs by five people.
"One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun," he told the newspaper. "They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board.
"Of course I signed it but I have no intention of leaving the club.
"They tried to push me out of the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
Mr Paladini, a former football agent, has been a controversial figure at QPR since buying a 22 per cent share for £650,000 in April last year.
He had reportedly complained of being shunned by the board and had questioned a £10 million loan, which incurs annual interest payments of £1 million.
Telegraph
BBC
Four in court over QPR 'attack'
Gianni Paladini bought his stake in the club last year
Four men have appeared in court over an alleged attack on a football club director before a Championship match.
Armed police were called to Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road ground on Saturday after Gianni Paladini said he was threatened at gunpoint.
Michael Reynolds, 44, David Morris, 49, David Davenport, 37, and Andrew Baker, 39, whose addresses cannot be revealed, faced blackmail and firearm charges.
They were remanded in custody by a judge at West London Magistrates Court.
Seven other men arrested on Saturday have been released on police bail.
High profile transfers
Mr Paladini was taken to Hammersmith police station after the incident, which he said happened as he made his way to a meeting before his team's 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Mr Paladini, a former football agent who represented ex-Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli, bought his stake in the club last May.
He is the public face of a Monaco-based group of investors who own a significant proportion of the club.
The Italian handed in his football agent's licence last year to pursue his dream of buying into an English football club.
After becoming an agent in 1980 he was involved in dozens of high profile transfers over two decades. He lives in London with his English wife, Olga, and his business portfolio includes several nightclubs.
BBC
BBC
QPR director tells of gun ordeal
Gianni Paladini has said he has no intention of leaving QPR
A football club director has reportedly been forced at gunpoint to sign paperwork resigning from the board.
Armed police were called to Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road after Gianni Paladini was attacked on Saturday.
Eleven men were arrested in or near the west London ground after the incident, which happened near the club's boardroom at about 1500 BST (1400 GMT).
Mr Paladini told the News of the World newspaper he had been "petrified" but would not quit.
One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun
Gianni Paladini
The gang had pounced as he had been going to his office with shareholder Dave Morris before the game started, he added.
Mr Paladini told the paper he had been kicked and beaten on a flight of stairs by five people.
"I was petrified. One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun.
"They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board.
"Of course I signed it - but I have no intention of leaving the club.
"They tried to push me out of the ground, but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
'Threats to kill'
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Hammersmith police have launched an investigation following an incident at QPR football ground.
"Police were called to reports that a number of men had threatened a man and a woman with threats to kill and then left the premises."
Mr Paladini, a former football agent who bought his stake in the club in May 2004, was later taken to Hammersmith Police Station.
He lives in London with his English wife Olga and his business portfolio includes several nightclubs.
QPR won their game against their Championship rivals Sheffield United, 2-1.
BBC
QPR director charged with blackmail plot against owner
Monday, 15th August 2005,--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A London football club director was remanded in custody today after being charged with conspiring to blackmail a fellow club executive.
David Morris, 49, a shareholder and co-director at QPR, is alleged to have been involved in a plot to blackmail the club's millionaire owner, Gianni Paladini.
Italian Paladini claimed a gang held a gun to his head and forced him to sign a resignation letter at QPR's Loftus Road ground shortly before the kick off of their game aginst Sheffield United on Saturday.
Tanned Morris, dressed in a grey polo shirt, appeared at West London magistrates court along with three other men all charged with conspiracy to comit blackmail and joint firearms possession with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
The other men are Michael Reynolds, 44, of north London, Andrew Baker, 39, of Somerset, and David Davenport, 37, of Buckinghamshire, all security consultants.
The men appeared in the dock looking relaxed and joking with each other as the case... Read More
LSE
Scottsman
QPR director on blackmail and gun charges
RHIANNON EDWARD
A FOOTBALL club director has been charged with blackmail and firearms offences after a fellow executive was allegedly threatened at gunpoint before a match.
Armed police were called to the Queens Park Rangers' ground in Shepherd's Bush, London, shortly before kick-off on Saturday after Gianni Paladini said he had been threatened by men with a gun who made him sign a document saying he would resign from his post.
Co-director David Morris was arrested and appeared in court yesterday charged with blackmail and firearms possession with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
He had been officially named as a QPR director and shareholder this month.
Three other men were also charged at West London Magistrates Court: Michael Reynolds, 44, of north London, Andrew Baker, 39, of Somerset, and David Davenport, 37, of Buckinghamshire.
A total of 11 people were arrested at the club's ground in Loftus Road, of whom seven were bailed.
Mr Paladini, 59, a former agent for Italian footballers, claimed the men attacked him in a club office at 2:30pm. His team were beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship, with spectators unaware of the drama.
Mr Paladini said he was "terrified" into signing a letter addressed to the club chairman, saying he would be resigning and handing over his shares.
But he insisted: "This is not valid anyway. It is pathetic."
The father of three said he was "petrified". He added: "I thought I was going to die. I can't live with this kind of thing. I am afraid to go out.
"My daughter, son and grandson were all there on Saturday. They are all upset and I don't want to put them through this sort of thing.
"I have worked hard and done everything I can to make things happen at the club. I think most of the fans understand what I'm doing. I have had a fantastic response from them. "
This article: http://sport.scotsman.com/football_english.cfm?id=1788112005
SPORTING LIFE
QPR DIRECTOR 'THREATENED WITH GUN'
Armed police were called to a Championship match on Saturday after a club director apparently had a gun held to his head.
Eleven men were arrested near Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road stadium in west London after Gianni Paladini and a woman were reportedly threatened with the weapon near the boardroom during their 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said armed officers were deployed within the ground following the incident at 1500 BST and Paladini was taken to Hammersmith police station.
The spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Hammersmith police have launched an investigation following an incident at QPR football ground today.
"At approximately 1500 police were called to reports that a number of men had threatened a man and a woman with threats to kill and then left the premises."
She said armed officers had been deployed and a total of 11 men had been arrested.
"Some were arrested inside the ground and some were arrested outside. Our inquiries continue.
"No-one was injured and no shots were fired."
Paladini, a former football agent who represented ex-Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli, bought his stake in the club in May of last year and has become an influential figure there.
A significant proportion of the club is owned by a Monaco-based group of investors for whom Paladini is the public face.
Little is known about the Italian, who handed in his football agent's licence last year to pursue his dream of buying into an English football club.
He became an agent in 1980 and over two decades was involved in dozens of high profile transfers.
He lives in London with his English wife, Olga, and has a business portfolio which includes several nightclubs.
SPORTING LIFE
A year ago...On the field, QPR's heroes in their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, were Santos and Moore; Bircham and Docherty; Bignot and Shittu; Royce and Brown; Bean and Furlong and Royce. A year later, in the QPR team playing against Southend United, only 4 of the 14 stars of a year ago, were playing.
Also present at that game a year ago but not at the Southend: Bill Power and Kevin McGrath and Mark Devlin; Ian Holloway and Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker...
Off the Field that day: "The alleged events" at Loftus Road, that led to arrests, a trial and the acquittal of the seven accused. In the days following the Sheffied United game came the QPR Board meeting which saw then-QPR Director, Carlos Dunga, fly in and cast the deciding vote which led to the departure of Devlin and Power and McGrath. And how the media reported on that day.
[For the most complete compilation, thus far, of the trial proceedings
see Tracy Stent's QPR 1st series of court updates
QPR1st>]
How some of the papers reported on that day:
The Sunday Times August 14, 2005
QPR 2 Sheffield United 1: Bircham passion revives Rangers
Barry Flatman at Loftus Road
POLICE were called after armed men threatened the life of Queens Park Rangers’ club director Gianni Paladin yesterday, but after arrests were made, and with the crowd, players and officials unaware of what had just occurred, we were treated to a lively encounter with a committed fan at its core.
Marc Bircham is one of those fortunate individuals who plays for the club he has supported with a lifelong passion. He wasn’t born when the likes of Rodney Marsh won QPR the League Cup as Third Division giantkillers almost 40 years ago and while the 1967 vintage were taking a bow at half-time, Bircham was locked in the dressing room being berated by manager Ian Holloway for being too anxious throughout a forgettable first half.
However, Bircham is well versed with the exploits of his elders and was clearly aware of their presence. Within 11 minutes of the restart the midfielder, who has been known to parade his devotion by dying his hair blue and white, was celebrating a goal that any QPR veterans would have been proud to score.
Then, with the match eventually won, Bircham went on to show the confrontational side to his character by reacting so angrily to a verbal barb from Sheffield United’s Chris Morgan that the visitors’ captain, seeking further retribution, had to be manhandled off the pitch by his manager, Neil Warnock.
The fact that QPR had not only taken the points but leapfrogged Sheffield United in the Championship table after the Yorkshire team started the day in top position, clearly fuelled Morgan’s temper.
Warnock maintained the entire contest was a disappointment, but his bitterness is understandable because his team did not possess the guile to exploit the opposition’s errors. QPR in contrast possess that quality as scorers Bircham and substitute Stefan Moore displayed.
Moore, a summer free transfer from Aston Villa, was introduced as a 36th minute replacement for fellow new arrival Tom Doherty who limped off with an injured knee. Moore’s pace and attack was a constant threat to United and he was integral to the opening goal. Initially Martin Rowlands raided down the left, Moore tried his luck in a more central position and when Phil Jagielka could only half clear the ball, Bircham steadied himself to drive a shot past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny from 20 yards.
Michael Tonge was badly missed in the Sheffield midfield and Frenchman Lilian Nalis had the sort of afternoon he could have categorised as tres terrible, but it was another summer signing, Paul Ifill, who suffered the brunt of Warnock’s displeasure. The former Millwall man appeared to lose his footing as he shaped to shoot early in the second half and sliced a goalscoring opportunity wide. But when he slipped and allowed Moore a free run at goal, Warnock decided an investigation was necessary.
“I was convinced he was wearing rubber studs, which is ridiculous given pitches in this day and age, but I was right,” revealed Warnock. “He won’t be wearing them again.”
Moore’s footwear was suitably stable for him to cross to Matthew Rose, who returned the ball for Moore to shoot home his first goal for his new club. Substitute Steve Kabba got one goal back for United from close range late in added time.
STAR MAN: Georges Santos (QPR)
Player ratings. QPR: Royce 6, Bignot 6, Shittu 8, Santos 9, Rose 7, Ainsworth 6 (Brown 69min 6), Bircham 7, Doherty 5 (Moore 86min, 5, Rowlands 7 (Bean 86min, 5), Gallen 7, Furlong 6
Sheffield United: Kenny 6, Bromby 5, Morgan 6, Jagielka 6, Kozluk 5, Ifill 6, Montgomery 5, Nalis 4 (Short 73min, 5), Harley 5 (Gillespie 73min, 5), Webber 7, Shipperley 5 (Kabba 77min, 7)
Scorers: QPR: Bircham 56, Moore 90
Sheffield United: Kabba 90
Referee: S Tanner
Attendance: 13,497
Sunday Times
QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT
INCIDENT AT LOFTUS ROAD
Queens Park Rangers Football Club confirms that the Metropolitan Police are investigating an incident at Loftus Road.
A number of arrests were made on Saturday afternoon and the police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
QPR are co-operating fully with the police in the course of their enquiries but while the investigation is ongoing the Club is unable to comment further on the nature of the alleged incident.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Independent
Men held after QPR boss is threatened with gun at game during game
By Matthew Beard
Published: 15 August 2005
Police are questioning 11 men after a director of Queen's Park Rangers football club in west London was ambushed at gunpoint outside the boardroom.
Gianni Paladini, 58, an Italian recently installed on the club's board, was attacked minutes before kick-off by a gang of five men as he walked towards his office in the Loftus Road stadium with a fellow director.
His assailants burst through double security doors, kicking him, beating him and demanding he resign his position as they held a gun to his head.
Fearing for his life, Mr Paladini signed his own 'resignation letter' and broke free from the gang to the nearby boardroom from where he alerted police at about 3pm as his side's home game against Sheffield United was getting underway.
Armed police rushed to the ground where they made some arrests as well as in the nearby Uxbridge and South Africa roads. Mr Paladini was visibly distressed as he watched the second half of the club's 2- 1 win and wept as he was escorted into the players' tunnel by two police officers after the game.
As Mr Paladini was recovering from his ordeal, in which he suffered suspected broken ribs, Scotland Yard detectives began to investigate the club's turbulent off- the-field recent history " which has seen an unseemly struggle for control of the once- fashionable west London club " for a possible motive for the attack.
From the heights of the 1970s, when their outstanding side boasted such stars as Gerry Francis and Stan Bowles, QPR sunk three divisions. After financial collapse under former owner Chris Wright, the club staved off closure with a pounds 10m loan accruing pounds 1m in interest per year.
Yesterday supporters were struggling to explain the attack, although some thought it may have been in connection with Mr Paladini's criticism of the club's finances.
The Italian, a former players' agent, bought a reported 22.1 per cent share in QPR for pounds 600,000 in May last year. He openly questioned the pounds 10m loan taken out by the club when it was on the point of folding in 2002. He told a recent fans' forum it was 'absolutely imperative' to renegotiate the loan. The money was lent by ABC Corporation, registered in Panama, which has also lent pounds 15m to Derby County.
agent, Antonio Caliendo, organised a pounds 1.7m investment into the club from two Monaco-based consortiums. The main shareholding in the club, thought to be 46 per cent, is held by his wife Olga.
Mr Paladini described the 'petrifying' attack in an interview with the News of the World, saying he feared for the safety of his family. 'I was petrified. One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun. They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board. Of course I signed it " but I have no intention of leaving the club.
'They tried to push me out of the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help. It was terrifying, I think they've broken one of my ribs. They were pushing me violently. I won't let them bully me out of the club. But they've taken my phone. I'm really, really frightened now for my family and friends but I won't let these cowards get away with this. This has brought shame to the club.'
The audacious attack has astonished many long-standing fans. 'I was at the game but I didn't realise what had happened until I got home,' said Paul Finney from the QPR Loyal Supporters Association. 'The fans are shocked because we really can't think that Gianni would have made enemies like that. It's also bizarre that a gang would want to do that sort of thing considering there must have been around 200 police at the ground.'
Police are questioning the 11 men on suspicion of conspiracy to commit blackmail. A Met spokeswoman said: 'Inquiries are continuing.'
Indepdendent
The Guardian
11 held after gun attack on QPR boss
Robert Booth
Monday August 15, 2005
The Guardian
Eleven men were being held in police custody last night as detectives investigated an armed attack on a football club director moments before kick-off on Saturday.
Queen's Park Rangers' majority shareholder, Gianni Paladini, 58, was walking towards his office in the club's west London ground with fellow director David Morris just before a Championship fixture with Sheffield United when he was allegedly ambushed by a gang of armed men who burst from behind double doors.
They are understood to have threatened to kill him and demanded he sign a paper agreeing to resign from the board. The former Italian football agent, who is considered by many supporters a stabilising force at the club after years of financial turmoil, says he was kicked and beaten.
"A bunch of big, heavy black men come out, rush towards me and start kicking and beating me up," he told the News of the World.
"I was petrified. One of them held my wrists and another pointed a gun. They tried to push me to the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
Mr Paladini signed the paper, but later insisted he has no intention of resigning.
As the game kicked off on schedule at 3pm, police were called and armed officers were deployed inside the ground.
Arrests were made immediately outside the stadium and in nearby Uxbridge Road. After further arrests at 4.10pm, a total of 11 men were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit blackmail.
QPR's players knew nothing of the drama as they continued their strong start to the Championship season with a 2-1 win.
The club's manager, Ian Holloway, said yesterday he was "shocked and horrified" by the alleged attack.
The club declined to comment on how armed men might have gained access to the ground.
The Guardian
Telegraph
Gun gang tell QPR director to resign
By Douglas Roberts
(Filed: 15/08/2005)
A gang put a gun to the head of a football club director and forced him to sign a note of resignation only minutes before a match on Saturday.
Gianni Paladini, 58, a director at Queen's Park Rangers, was allegedly kicked and beaten before being told to resign by a group of men who had burst into the hospitality area of the club's ground.
Eleven men were arrested in and around the ground by armed police soon after, on suspicion of committing blackmail and making threats to kill, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesman.
Mr Paladini was attacked just before the 3pm kick-off against Sheffield United.
After the incident he attempted to watch the second half before being escorted out of the directors' box looking distressed.
He told the News of the World that he had been kicked and beaten on a flight of stairs by five people.
"One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun," he told the newspaper. "They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board.
"Of course I signed it but I have no intention of leaving the club.
"They tried to push me out of the ground but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
Mr Paladini, a former football agent, has been a controversial figure at QPR since buying a 22 per cent share for £650,000 in April last year.
He had reportedly complained of being shunned by the board and had questioned a £10 million loan, which incurs annual interest payments of £1 million.
Telegraph
BBC
Four in court over QPR 'attack'
Gianni Paladini bought his stake in the club last year
Four men have appeared in court over an alleged attack on a football club director before a Championship match.
Armed police were called to Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road ground on Saturday after Gianni Paladini said he was threatened at gunpoint.
Michael Reynolds, 44, David Morris, 49, David Davenport, 37, and Andrew Baker, 39, whose addresses cannot be revealed, faced blackmail and firearm charges.
They were remanded in custody by a judge at West London Magistrates Court.
Seven other men arrested on Saturday have been released on police bail.
High profile transfers
Mr Paladini was taken to Hammersmith police station after the incident, which he said happened as he made his way to a meeting before his team's 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Mr Paladini, a former football agent who represented ex-Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli, bought his stake in the club last May.
He is the public face of a Monaco-based group of investors who own a significant proportion of the club.
The Italian handed in his football agent's licence last year to pursue his dream of buying into an English football club.
After becoming an agent in 1980 he was involved in dozens of high profile transfers over two decades. He lives in London with his English wife, Olga, and his business portfolio includes several nightclubs.
BBC
BBC
QPR director tells of gun ordeal
Gianni Paladini has said he has no intention of leaving QPR
A football club director has reportedly been forced at gunpoint to sign paperwork resigning from the board.
Armed police were called to Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road after Gianni Paladini was attacked on Saturday.
Eleven men were arrested in or near the west London ground after the incident, which happened near the club's boardroom at about 1500 BST (1400 GMT).
Mr Paladini told the News of the World newspaper he had been "petrified" but would not quit.
One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun
Gianni Paladini
The gang had pounced as he had been going to his office with shareholder Dave Morris before the game started, he added.
Mr Paladini told the paper he had been kicked and beaten on a flight of stairs by five people.
"I was petrified. One of them was holding my wrists and another was pointing a gun.
"They shouted at me to sign a piece of paper resigning from the board.
"Of course I signed it - but I have no intention of leaving the club.
"They tried to push me out of the ground, but I managed to break clear and run into the boardroom, shouting for help."
'Threats to kill'
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Hammersmith police have launched an investigation following an incident at QPR football ground.
"Police were called to reports that a number of men had threatened a man and a woman with threats to kill and then left the premises."
Mr Paladini, a former football agent who bought his stake in the club in May 2004, was later taken to Hammersmith Police Station.
He lives in London with his English wife Olga and his business portfolio includes several nightclubs.
QPR won their game against their Championship rivals Sheffield United, 2-1.
BBC
QPR director charged with blackmail plot against owner
Monday, 15th August 2005,--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A London football club director was remanded in custody today after being charged with conspiring to blackmail a fellow club executive.
David Morris, 49, a shareholder and co-director at QPR, is alleged to have been involved in a plot to blackmail the club's millionaire owner, Gianni Paladini.
Italian Paladini claimed a gang held a gun to his head and forced him to sign a resignation letter at QPR's Loftus Road ground shortly before the kick off of their game aginst Sheffield United on Saturday.
Tanned Morris, dressed in a grey polo shirt, appeared at West London magistrates court along with three other men all charged with conspiracy to comit blackmail and joint firearms possession with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
The other men are Michael Reynolds, 44, of north London, Andrew Baker, 39, of Somerset, and David Davenport, 37, of Buckinghamshire, all security consultants.
The men appeared in the dock looking relaxed and joking with each other as the case... Read More
LSE
Scottsman
QPR director on blackmail and gun charges
RHIANNON EDWARD
A FOOTBALL club director has been charged with blackmail and firearms offences after a fellow executive was allegedly threatened at gunpoint before a match.
Armed police were called to the Queens Park Rangers' ground in Shepherd's Bush, London, shortly before kick-off on Saturday after Gianni Paladini said he had been threatened by men with a gun who made him sign a document saying he would resign from his post.
Co-director David Morris was arrested and appeared in court yesterday charged with blackmail and firearms possession with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
He had been officially named as a QPR director and shareholder this month.
Three other men were also charged at West London Magistrates Court: Michael Reynolds, 44, of north London, Andrew Baker, 39, of Somerset, and David Davenport, 37, of Buckinghamshire.
A total of 11 people were arrested at the club's ground in Loftus Road, of whom seven were bailed.
Mr Paladini, 59, a former agent for Italian footballers, claimed the men attacked him in a club office at 2:30pm. His team were beating Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship, with spectators unaware of the drama.
Mr Paladini said he was "terrified" into signing a letter addressed to the club chairman, saying he would be resigning and handing over his shares.
But he insisted: "This is not valid anyway. It is pathetic."
The father of three said he was "petrified". He added: "I thought I was going to die. I can't live with this kind of thing. I am afraid to go out.
"My daughter, son and grandson were all there on Saturday. They are all upset and I don't want to put them through this sort of thing.
"I have worked hard and done everything I can to make things happen at the club. I think most of the fans understand what I'm doing. I have had a fantastic response from them. "
This article: http://sport.scotsman.com/football_english.cfm?id=1788112005
SPORTING LIFE
QPR DIRECTOR 'THREATENED WITH GUN'
Armed police were called to a Championship match on Saturday after a club director apparently had a gun held to his head.
Eleven men were arrested near Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road stadium in west London after Gianni Paladini and a woman were reportedly threatened with the weapon near the boardroom during their 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said armed officers were deployed within the ground following the incident at 1500 BST and Paladini was taken to Hammersmith police station.
The spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Hammersmith police have launched an investigation following an incident at QPR football ground today.
"At approximately 1500 police were called to reports that a number of men had threatened a man and a woman with threats to kill and then left the premises."
She said armed officers had been deployed and a total of 11 men had been arrested.
"Some were arrested inside the ground and some were arrested outside. Our inquiries continue.
"No-one was injured and no shots were fired."
Paladini, a former football agent who represented ex-Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli, bought his stake in the club in May of last year and has become an influential figure there.
A significant proportion of the club is owned by a Monaco-based group of investors for whom Paladini is the public face.
Little is known about the Italian, who handed in his football agent's licence last year to pursue his dream of buying into an English football club.
He became an agent in 1980 and over two decades was involved in dozens of high profile transfers.
He lives in London with his English wife, Olga, and has a business portfolio which includes several nightclubs.
SPORTING LIFE
Ex-QPR's Micky Walsh Turns 52
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Micky Walsh
Former QPR Forward (for one season), Micky Walsh Turns 52 - Born August 14, 1954
A prolific goalscorer for Blackpool who was bought by Everton. QPR Manager Steve Burtenshaw signed Walsh in the spring of 1979, near the end of our First Division relegation season, in a straight swop for QPR's ex-Swindon forward, Peter Eastoe. At the time it looked like a good deal for QPR.
New QPR manager, Tommy Docherty prefered Clive Allen and Paul Goddard and Walsh was sold to FC Porto for about 170,000 pounds the next season.
Micky Walsh
Former QPR Forward (for one season), Micky Walsh Turns 52 - Born August 14, 1954
A prolific goalscorer for Blackpool who was bought by Everton. QPR Manager Steve Burtenshaw signed Walsh in the spring of 1979, near the end of our First Division relegation season, in a straight swop for QPR's ex-Swindon forward, Peter Eastoe. At the time it looked like a good deal for QPR.
New QPR manager, Tommy Docherty prefered Clive Allen and Paul Goddard and Walsh was sold to FC Porto for about 170,000 pounds the next season.
Shittu Loving Watford Life
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Watford Official Site
SHITTU LOVING WATFORD LIFE
DAN SHITTU, Watford's biggest money signing of the summer, can't speak highly enough of his early impressions of life at Vicarage Road and can't wait to start 'doing his job' in the Premier League.
The Nigeria-born defender chose to come to Watford because he had heard so many good things about the club over the last 12 months - and those thoughts have been confirmed by the welcome he's been given.
"I was already very impressed with Watford before I even arrived", he told watfordfc.com. "I had heard a lot of good things about the club from all sorts of people and now that I've been here training for a week, I'm even more impressed with what I've seen."
Dan felt that the move offered him an excellent opportunity to continue learning and improving as a player as he works with the Hornets' coaching staff.
"I'm looking forward to spending the next few years working hard at Watford because there are good people here, always pushing you to improve and I'm already loving every day or training. I've learnt so much already.
"I chose to come to Watford because I could see the ambition here. Not just the manager but also the players.
"Everyone at the club thinks we can really do something and I've seen that in the last few days. I've been really impressed with everything so far."
Danny Shittu
The big centre-back was part of a QPR side that was beaten home and away by Watford last season and those games made an impression on him.
"When we played against Watford last season were two of the toughest games of the year. The way that Watford played was very impressive both home and away so I'm glad to be a part of it now."
In line with most of the Watford squad, the new season will mean a new challenge in the Premier League for Dan but it's one he can't wait to get started.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the Premier League. All of the lads will be looking to impress on this level and know they have to work hard to do so.
"I'm glad that I've been given the chance to come here and work with these guys and the coaches too. I can't say one bad thing about this place and I don't think I'm going to be able to either."
Having made his debut last Tuesday against Inter Milan, Dan is now looking to build on that solid 45 minutes.
"I knew I was only going to play 45 minutes against Inter Milan because I hadn't done much pre-season training. I was a bit disappointed to get cramp but now I feel good.
"The fans and the stadium were great so I really enjoyed the night. So far, so good. My first aim is to work hard and win a place in the first 11, then if I do that, I'll continue working hard and make sure I do my job.
"I don't do fancy tricks or anything like that, my job is to defend and I love it!"
Watford
Watford Official Site
SHITTU LOVING WATFORD LIFE
DAN SHITTU, Watford's biggest money signing of the summer, can't speak highly enough of his early impressions of life at Vicarage Road and can't wait to start 'doing his job' in the Premier League.
The Nigeria-born defender chose to come to Watford because he had heard so many good things about the club over the last 12 months - and those thoughts have been confirmed by the welcome he's been given.
"I was already very impressed with Watford before I even arrived", he told watfordfc.com. "I had heard a lot of good things about the club from all sorts of people and now that I've been here training for a week, I'm even more impressed with what I've seen."
Dan felt that the move offered him an excellent opportunity to continue learning and improving as a player as he works with the Hornets' coaching staff.
"I'm looking forward to spending the next few years working hard at Watford because there are good people here, always pushing you to improve and I'm already loving every day or training. I've learnt so much already.
"I chose to come to Watford because I could see the ambition here. Not just the manager but also the players.
"Everyone at the club thinks we can really do something and I've seen that in the last few days. I've been really impressed with everything so far."
Danny Shittu
The big centre-back was part of a QPR side that was beaten home and away by Watford last season and those games made an impression on him.
"When we played against Watford last season were two of the toughest games of the year. The way that Watford played was very impressive both home and away so I'm glad to be a part of it now."
In line with most of the Watford squad, the new season will mean a new challenge in the Premier League for Dan but it's one he can't wait to get started.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the Premier League. All of the lads will be looking to impress on this level and know they have to work hard to do so.
"I'm glad that I've been given the chance to come here and work with these guys and the coaches too. I can't say one bad thing about this place and I don't think I'm going to be able to either."
Having made his debut last Tuesday against Inter Milan, Dan is now looking to build on that solid 45 minutes.
"I knew I was only going to play 45 minutes against Inter Milan because I hadn't done much pre-season training. I was a bit disappointed to get cramp but now I feel good.
"The fans and the stadium were great so I really enjoyed the night. So far, so good. My first aim is to work hard and win a place in the first 11, then if I do that, I'll continue working hard and make sure I do my job.
"I don't do fancy tricks or anything like that, my job is to defend and I love it!"
Watford
Additional Match Reports of QPR 2 Southend 0
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The Sunday Times August 13, 2006
QPR 2 Southend 0: Shrimpers caught cold by classy Rangers
Brian Glanville at Loftus Road
WITH Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock combining in attack for QPR as though they had been playing together for years, rather than for the first time, Rangers dominated and only a defiant exhibition by Darryl Flahavan prevented a rout.
It was expected that all eyes would be on 22-year-old Southend striker Freddy Eastwood, a comparatively late developer signed from non-league Grays Athletic. He has been impressive in his first couple of games this season for the promoted Shrimpers, enabling Southend to look as if they might well survive in this division provided they are able to keep him.
As it transpired, the first half was very much QPR’s and a period in which we saw little or nothing of the much-heralded Eastwood.
Jones and Blackstock combined swiftly and shrewdly, Gareth Ainsworth showed pace and power on the right flank, while Nick Ward was a force in central midfield. In the event, Southend would owe a lot to Flahavan.
In the 11th minute, a combination between Jones and Blackstock led to a strong drive turned over the top by Flahavan. There was something of a hiatus until, in the 23rd minute, QPR began to find the target again, and frequently. When Blackstock found Lee Cook on the left, the sequel was a left-footed shot which had Flahavan jumping high to take it. Just a minute later, a fierce, long-range effort from Ainsworth was turned behind by the busy Southend keeper.
A goal surely had to come and, in due course, it did in the 31st minute, shortly after Flahavan took a left-footed strike from Ward. But, when Cook touched a free kick to Rowlands just outside the box, even Flahavan could do nothing about his searing right-footed shot.
And still we were waiting in vain to see something of Eastwood, hardly perhaps a fair test for him, given the pressure put upon his team by the lively and coherent QPR attack.
Flahavan dived desperately but successfully at the feet of Jones. But on 41 minutes, there was a double disaster for himself and his team when Blackstock crossed from the right, Jones soared to beat Flahavan to the ball in the air and Ward on the far post had only to knock it over the line for QPR’s second. In the process, Flahavan took a knock on the side of his head and left the field clutching a towel to the wound.
STAR MAN: Dexter Blackstock (QPR)
Player ratings. QPR: P Jones 6, Rose 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 6, Milanese 6, Ainsworth 7, Rowlands 7 (Lomas 54min, 6), Ward 7, Cook 7, R Jones 8 (Gallen 74min, 6) Blackstock 8
Southend: Flahavan 8 (Collis 42min, 7), Francis 6, Prior 6, Barrett 6, Hammell 6, Campbell-Ryce 6, Maher 7, Guttridge 7, Gower 7, Eastwood 6, Bradbury 6 (Paynter 71min, 6)
Scorers: QPR: Rowlands 31, Ward 41
Referee: I Williamson
Attendance: 12,368
Sunday Times
Independent
QPR 2 Southend Utd 0: QPR take control as Eastwood fires blanks
By Norman Fox at Loftus Road
When the season is young there is always good reason to give an inferior side a thumping in order to send out messages of intent. Queen's Park Rangers had that opportunity at Loftus Road yesterday but let Southend escape with a mild smack.
Despite gaining promotion twice in as many seasons, Southend are well aware that the Championship is not likely to be a division through which they will comfortably pass en route to even higher things. Not that the quality of their football, as they swept into the game with a succession of bright, enterprising attacks, was anything less than ambitious.
QPR's new signing, 20-year-old Dexter Blackstock, from Southampton, may have got an early caution for diving, but he plunged quickly into the Southend penalty area with sharp-eyed menace. He might have done a little better in the 11th minute, forcing Darryl Flahavan to deflect his shot over the bar, but generally he linked well with Gareth Ainsworth and his strike partner Ray Jones.
The striker who had been anticipated to catch most of the attention was, of course, Southend's Freddy Eastwood. Yesterday, he found it difficult to get in his stride and Rangers dictated the pace so that they took a 30th-minute lead when Lee Cook tapped a free-kick to Martin Rowlands, who sent a shot into the top corner.
Southend's situation got worse when, after 43 minutes, Flahavan made a tentative attempt to clear a cross from Ainsworth but succeeded only in colliding with Jones, who headed towards an empty goal. Nick Ward chased the ball in. Flahavan's game was over with a cut head and a sore memory of his unhappy intervention.
Southend certainly felt sore enough all round to take a much more positive attitude into the second half, passing more accurately and tightening up in defence. Even so, they found it difficult to locate Eastwood and made little of their chances.
"We know it's going to be a tough year but the spirit we showed in the second half shows we can compete," said Southend manager Steve Tilson. "We are going to need an excellent team spirit and togetherness to get through this season."
Southend's progress is likely to be hesitant in this division. But, considering their recent rise, that should be sufficient.
[Independent]
Sunday People
13 August 2006
WADDA FIND IN KID RAY
Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP ALL THE TOP ACTION Jones fries Shrimpers
Tony Stevens
QPR 2 Southend 0
GARY WADDOCK'S first win as full-time manager was an encouraging sign that Rangers are finally over the troubles of last season.
And it appears he has a lot to look forward to as his side made a bright start with new-look strike partnership of 17-year-old Ray Jones and latest signing Dexter Blackstock.
Their link-up play nearly led to an opener on 11 minutes when Jones' through-ball played in Blackstock whose shot was well saved by Darryl Flahavan.
There was no let-up as Rangers continued to piled forward for the entire half as an opener seemed inevitable.
When it came it was a thunderbolt from midfielder Martin Rowlands, as he hammered in a 25-yard free-kick after half an hour.
The strike would have been even sweeter for the man himself, who missed nearly all the second half of last season through injury.
He seems to have settled back into his midfield holding role, already developing an understanding alongside summer signing Nick Ward.
Rowlands gave the Australian licence to get forward and his energetic running was rewarded with a goal five minutes from half-time. Jones battled bravely for a testing Gareth Ainsworth cross and beat Flahavan to the ball with his head, leaving Ward for a tap-in.
To make matters worse for the Shrimpers, their overworked keeper was injured in the challenge with Jones and replaced by Steve Collis.
Although they did have their first real chance when Mark Gower fired over just before the break, it was a half to forget for the promoted side.
And Collis was quickly called into action straight after the re-start, having to block a Jones shot after he was put through by Lee Cook.
QPR's other Jones, goalkeeper Paul, had to make his first save when Luke Guttridge linked with Lee Bradbury after 48 minutes and fired at goal.
The stop was good and the Welsh international was relieved that when hitman Freddy Eastwood was put through five minutes later he struck well over the bar.
Eastwood had the half's best chance as Southend started to recover, and should have done better with a back-post header in the 70th minute.
But Rangers were playing with confidence, and despite their second-half efforts, the visitors could not find a way through an impressive back-line.
HOW THEY RATED
QPR
P Jones 7, Rose 6, Stewart 8, Rehman 7, Milanese 8, Ainsworth 8, Rowlands 7 (Lomas, 54mins, 6), Ward 7, Cook 7, Blackstock 8, R Jones 9 (Gallen, 74mins).
SOUTHEND
Flahavan 7 (Collis, 43mins, 5), Francis 6, Prior 6, Barrett 5, Hammell 4, Campbell-Ryce 6, Guttridge 7, Maher 7, Gower 6, Bradbury 5 (Paynter, 71mins), Eastwood 7.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Ray Jones (QPR) 9
People
Sunday Mirror 13 August 2006
ROWLANDS FIRES A BEAUTY
Pete Simm At Loftus Road
MARTIN ROWLANDS fired home a spectacular freekick to set up QPR's first win of the season.
The midfielder thundered a 25-yard shot into the top lefthand corner on 31 minutes before Nick Ward wrapped up the points 10 minutes later.
And the winning margin would have been even greater but for the brilliant antics of Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan in the first half.
Rangers boss Gary Waddock gave immediate debuts to Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock following midweek moves and the latter proved a handful for Southend's defence.
Blackstock, signed from Southampton, was soon in the action as he forced a flying save from Flahavan after only 10 minutes.
Southend's keeper also had to show good reflexes to deny Lee Cook, Gareth Ainsworth and Ward as QPR laid siege to the visitors' goal. But not even Flahavan could stop QPR taking a firm grip on the game as the first half neared its conclusion.
First Rowlands gave Flahavan no chance with a fierce right-foot shot after Cook had been tripped by Luke Guttridge, then Ward finished from two yards out after striker Ray Jones had beaten the Southend goalkeeper to nod on Blackstock's cross from the right.
Flahavan was injured in the challenge and had to be replaced by Simon Collis but Southend's penalty area continued to be the busier.
HOW THEY RATED
QPR
Jones 6, Rose 7, Stewart 6, Rehman 7, Milanese 6, Ainsworth 7, Rowlands 6 (Lomas 5), WARD 8, Cook 7, Blackstock 7, Jones 7 (Gallen 5).
MANAGER Waddock 7
SOUTHEND
Flahavan 7 (Collis 6), Francis 6, Barrett 5, Prior 6, Hammell 5, Campbell-Ryce 7, Maher 6, Guttridge 6, Gower 6, Bradbury 5 (Paynter 6), Eastwood 6.
MANAGER Tilson 6
REFEREE I Williamson 6
MAN OF THE MATCH
NICK WARD
Took his goal well to cap a dynamic display.
Mirror
The Sunday Times August 13, 2006
QPR 2 Southend 0: Shrimpers caught cold by classy Rangers
Brian Glanville at Loftus Road
WITH Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock combining in attack for QPR as though they had been playing together for years, rather than for the first time, Rangers dominated and only a defiant exhibition by Darryl Flahavan prevented a rout.
It was expected that all eyes would be on 22-year-old Southend striker Freddy Eastwood, a comparatively late developer signed from non-league Grays Athletic. He has been impressive in his first couple of games this season for the promoted Shrimpers, enabling Southend to look as if they might well survive in this division provided they are able to keep him.
As it transpired, the first half was very much QPR’s and a period in which we saw little or nothing of the much-heralded Eastwood.
Jones and Blackstock combined swiftly and shrewdly, Gareth Ainsworth showed pace and power on the right flank, while Nick Ward was a force in central midfield. In the event, Southend would owe a lot to Flahavan.
In the 11th minute, a combination between Jones and Blackstock led to a strong drive turned over the top by Flahavan. There was something of a hiatus until, in the 23rd minute, QPR began to find the target again, and frequently. When Blackstock found Lee Cook on the left, the sequel was a left-footed shot which had Flahavan jumping high to take it. Just a minute later, a fierce, long-range effort from Ainsworth was turned behind by the busy Southend keeper.
A goal surely had to come and, in due course, it did in the 31st minute, shortly after Flahavan took a left-footed strike from Ward. But, when Cook touched a free kick to Rowlands just outside the box, even Flahavan could do nothing about his searing right-footed shot.
And still we were waiting in vain to see something of Eastwood, hardly perhaps a fair test for him, given the pressure put upon his team by the lively and coherent QPR attack.
Flahavan dived desperately but successfully at the feet of Jones. But on 41 minutes, there was a double disaster for himself and his team when Blackstock crossed from the right, Jones soared to beat Flahavan to the ball in the air and Ward on the far post had only to knock it over the line for QPR’s second. In the process, Flahavan took a knock on the side of his head and left the field clutching a towel to the wound.
STAR MAN: Dexter Blackstock (QPR)
Player ratings. QPR: P Jones 6, Rose 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 6, Milanese 6, Ainsworth 7, Rowlands 7 (Lomas 54min, 6), Ward 7, Cook 7, R Jones 8 (Gallen 74min, 6) Blackstock 8
Southend: Flahavan 8 (Collis 42min, 7), Francis 6, Prior 6, Barrett 6, Hammell 6, Campbell-Ryce 6, Maher 7, Guttridge 7, Gower 7, Eastwood 6, Bradbury 6 (Paynter 71min, 6)
Scorers: QPR: Rowlands 31, Ward 41
Referee: I Williamson
Attendance: 12,368
Sunday Times
Independent
QPR 2 Southend Utd 0: QPR take control as Eastwood fires blanks
By Norman Fox at Loftus Road
When the season is young there is always good reason to give an inferior side a thumping in order to send out messages of intent. Queen's Park Rangers had that opportunity at Loftus Road yesterday but let Southend escape with a mild smack.
Despite gaining promotion twice in as many seasons, Southend are well aware that the Championship is not likely to be a division through which they will comfortably pass en route to even higher things. Not that the quality of their football, as they swept into the game with a succession of bright, enterprising attacks, was anything less than ambitious.
QPR's new signing, 20-year-old Dexter Blackstock, from Southampton, may have got an early caution for diving, but he plunged quickly into the Southend penalty area with sharp-eyed menace. He might have done a little better in the 11th minute, forcing Darryl Flahavan to deflect his shot over the bar, but generally he linked well with Gareth Ainsworth and his strike partner Ray Jones.
The striker who had been anticipated to catch most of the attention was, of course, Southend's Freddy Eastwood. Yesterday, he found it difficult to get in his stride and Rangers dictated the pace so that they took a 30th-minute lead when Lee Cook tapped a free-kick to Martin Rowlands, who sent a shot into the top corner.
Southend's situation got worse when, after 43 minutes, Flahavan made a tentative attempt to clear a cross from Ainsworth but succeeded only in colliding with Jones, who headed towards an empty goal. Nick Ward chased the ball in. Flahavan's game was over with a cut head and a sore memory of his unhappy intervention.
Southend certainly felt sore enough all round to take a much more positive attitude into the second half, passing more accurately and tightening up in defence. Even so, they found it difficult to locate Eastwood and made little of their chances.
"We know it's going to be a tough year but the spirit we showed in the second half shows we can compete," said Southend manager Steve Tilson. "We are going to need an excellent team spirit and togetherness to get through this season."
Southend's progress is likely to be hesitant in this division. But, considering their recent rise, that should be sufficient.
[Independent]
Sunday People
13 August 2006
WADDA FIND IN KID RAY
Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP ALL THE TOP ACTION Jones fries Shrimpers
Tony Stevens
QPR 2 Southend 0
GARY WADDOCK'S first win as full-time manager was an encouraging sign that Rangers are finally over the troubles of last season.
And it appears he has a lot to look forward to as his side made a bright start with new-look strike partnership of 17-year-old Ray Jones and latest signing Dexter Blackstock.
Their link-up play nearly led to an opener on 11 minutes when Jones' through-ball played in Blackstock whose shot was well saved by Darryl Flahavan.
There was no let-up as Rangers continued to piled forward for the entire half as an opener seemed inevitable.
When it came it was a thunderbolt from midfielder Martin Rowlands, as he hammered in a 25-yard free-kick after half an hour.
The strike would have been even sweeter for the man himself, who missed nearly all the second half of last season through injury.
He seems to have settled back into his midfield holding role, already developing an understanding alongside summer signing Nick Ward.
Rowlands gave the Australian licence to get forward and his energetic running was rewarded with a goal five minutes from half-time. Jones battled bravely for a testing Gareth Ainsworth cross and beat Flahavan to the ball with his head, leaving Ward for a tap-in.
To make matters worse for the Shrimpers, their overworked keeper was injured in the challenge with Jones and replaced by Steve Collis.
Although they did have their first real chance when Mark Gower fired over just before the break, it was a half to forget for the promoted side.
And Collis was quickly called into action straight after the re-start, having to block a Jones shot after he was put through by Lee Cook.
QPR's other Jones, goalkeeper Paul, had to make his first save when Luke Guttridge linked with Lee Bradbury after 48 minutes and fired at goal.
The stop was good and the Welsh international was relieved that when hitman Freddy Eastwood was put through five minutes later he struck well over the bar.
Eastwood had the half's best chance as Southend started to recover, and should have done better with a back-post header in the 70th minute.
But Rangers were playing with confidence, and despite their second-half efforts, the visitors could not find a way through an impressive back-line.
HOW THEY RATED
QPR
P Jones 7, Rose 6, Stewart 8, Rehman 7, Milanese 8, Ainsworth 8, Rowlands 7 (Lomas, 54mins, 6), Ward 7, Cook 7, Blackstock 8, R Jones 9 (Gallen, 74mins).
SOUTHEND
Flahavan 7 (Collis, 43mins, 5), Francis 6, Prior 6, Barrett 5, Hammell 4, Campbell-Ryce 6, Guttridge 7, Maher 7, Gower 6, Bradbury 5 (Paynter, 71mins), Eastwood 7.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Ray Jones (QPR) 9
People
Sunday Mirror 13 August 2006
ROWLANDS FIRES A BEAUTY
Pete Simm At Loftus Road
MARTIN ROWLANDS fired home a spectacular freekick to set up QPR's first win of the season.
The midfielder thundered a 25-yard shot into the top lefthand corner on 31 minutes before Nick Ward wrapped up the points 10 minutes later.
And the winning margin would have been even greater but for the brilliant antics of Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan in the first half.
Rangers boss Gary Waddock gave immediate debuts to Zesh Rehman and Dexter Blackstock following midweek moves and the latter proved a handful for Southend's defence.
Blackstock, signed from Southampton, was soon in the action as he forced a flying save from Flahavan after only 10 minutes.
Southend's keeper also had to show good reflexes to deny Lee Cook, Gareth Ainsworth and Ward as QPR laid siege to the visitors' goal. But not even Flahavan could stop QPR taking a firm grip on the game as the first half neared its conclusion.
First Rowlands gave Flahavan no chance with a fierce right-foot shot after Cook had been tripped by Luke Guttridge, then Ward finished from two yards out after striker Ray Jones had beaten the Southend goalkeeper to nod on Blackstock's cross from the right.
Flahavan was injured in the challenge and had to be replaced by Simon Collis but Southend's penalty area continued to be the busier.
HOW THEY RATED
QPR
Jones 6, Rose 7, Stewart 6, Rehman 7, Milanese 6, Ainsworth 7, Rowlands 6 (Lomas 5), WARD 8, Cook 7, Blackstock 7, Jones 7 (Gallen 5).
MANAGER Waddock 7
SOUTHEND
Flahavan 7 (Collis 6), Francis 6, Barrett 5, Prior 6, Hammell 5, Campbell-Ryce 7, Maher 6, Guttridge 6, Gower 6, Bradbury 5 (Paynter 6), Eastwood 6.
MANAGER Tilson 6
REFEREE I Williamson 6
MAN OF THE MATCH
NICK WARD
Took his goal well to cap a dynamic display.
Mirror
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Kiyan Prince - "Soccer fans remember stabbed boy"
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BBC - Soccer fans remember stabbed boy
A minute's silence has been held at a soccer ground in memory of a young footballer who was stabbed to death.
Kiyan Prince, 15, was killed outside the London Academy in Edgware in May. He was a promising member of Queen's Park Rangers' youth team.
A 16-year-old youth has been remanded accused of murdering Kiyan, who died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Players and supporters observed the silence before QPR's game against Southend at Loftus Road on Saturday.
BBC
BBC - Soccer fans remember stabbed boy
A minute's silence has been held at a soccer ground in memory of a young footballer who was stabbed to death.
Kiyan Prince, 15, was killed outside the London Academy in Edgware in May. He was a promising member of Queen's Park Rangers' youth team.
A 16-year-old youth has been remanded accused of murdering Kiyan, who died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Players and supporters observed the silence before QPR's game against Southend at Loftus Road on Saturday.
BBC
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